The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1664 - 1658: You’re Finally Back!

Zhao Xingshang was out hustling to earn money, while the wife at home was serving the whole family like an unpaid maid.

Even when she was pregnant, she was still ordered around. As a result, during childbirth, things didn’t go smoothly, and it was only with great difficulty that she gave birth to a daughter, barely surviving.

Thankfully, Zhao Xingshang rushed back and spent a fortune on ginseng to snatch his wife’s life back from Lord Yama.

However, her body was ruined, and she would never be able to bear children again.

For this, Zhao Xingshang had a big fight with his family, which resulted in him being kicked out along with his wife and child by his parents.

At that time, Zhao Xingshang’s wife hadn’t even finished her confinement, and the family of three was in a miserable state without a place to stay.

Fortunately, Zhao Xingshang had the foresight to save some silver outside, which allowed them to barely rent a place to live.

Starting over again, they endured a lot of hardships to build the family business they had today.

His wife’s health was already damaged from childbirth, and after enduring so much suffering, when Zhao Xingshang finally managed to make life better, she withered away and passed on.

Zhao Xingshang felt an immense guilt towards his wife, and with her last breath, she was worried about their daughter.

He then resolved not to remarry, fearing that if he married a wicked stepmother, he wouldn’t be around to watch over his daughter, and if she suffered, he wouldn’t even know.

These years have passed just like that.

Now getting older, one of Zhao Xingshang’s brothers’ daughters got married to a graduate. Once, they ran into Zhao Xingshang and his daughter and, seeing how prosperous they were, became incredibly envious.

The graduate’s wife mentioned this when she got home.

The graduate’s family was ordinary, unlike others who could spend silver coins to buy minor official positions. Watching their peers advance into officials, he was incredibly envious.

He pondered where he might be able to make a fortune to pave his own future.

Upon hearing this from his wife, the graduate’s mind started turning.

After thinking for several days, he went to the Zhao Family, confining himself in a room with Zhao Xingshang’s brother for half a day.

Back when the Zhao family kicked Zhao Xingshang and his family out, what was left behind was enough for an ordinary life, but living well was tough.

Especially as more children grew up, needing marriages and dowries, the family resources were strained.

Upon hearing what the graduate son-in-law said, they agreed wholeheartedly.

A couple of days later, Zhao Xingshang’s brother approached him, boldly stating that since he had no son, the vast family wealth shouldn’t benefit just one daughter and outsiders.

As a brother, he couldn’t bear to see Zhao Xingshang grow old without someone to handle his burial, so he decided to adopt his youngest son to him.

Zhao Xingshang knew exactly what his brother was scheming — seeing that he had no son, the brother wanted to legally seize the family wealth.

He naturally refused, saying that he intended to find a son-in-law, sparing them the trouble.

His brother was unwilling to give up such a large benefit and, with the graduate son-in-law, spread the word that Zhao’s wealth was already destined for the merchant nephew and marrying into the family as a son-in-law would be useless.

No one dared to come forward, for fear of putting in a lot of effort for nothing.

Upon hearing rumors hinting that the graduate had a hand in this, more backtracked in retreat.

Therefore, families initially interested backed out.

Zhao Xingshang realized someone was stirring up trouble; upon investigating, he was furious.

In a swift move, he sold off the business, taking his daughter to Shiqiao Town to buy mountain goods, partly to avoid the Zhao Family, and partly to find a good son-in-law for his daughter.

Now interested in Jinguan, he naturally saw him as well-supported.

Even if the Zhao Family and graduate continued, if his daughter married Jinguan, they would naturally not dare to act.

The family fortune would be safe!

Jinguan initially refused, but Zhao Xingshang, having finally found a suitable son-in-law, wouldn’t give up.

After thorough investigation, he bribed Lady Lin, promising her a large sum of silver for retirement if successful.

Now, Lady Lin was estranged by surrounding folks, living a difficult life, watching the Wang Family thrive, unrelated to her.

The tea leaf dividend at Qilidun also didn’t concern her.

She didn’t dare leave, fearing being sold into the deep mountains by her brothers and sisters-in-law.

The offer Zhao’s family made was Lady Lin’s lifelong dream.

It’s unclear how Lady Lin persuaded Jinguan, resulting in the situation today.

Upon receiving the information, Yao Da understood and instructed those stationed there to continue watching, promptly catching up with the supply fleet at the next dock three days later.

Aboard, he tidied up briefly, reporting to Wang Yongzhu.

After hearing Yao Da’s report, Wang Yongzhu sighed, acknowledging Zhao Xingshang’s painstaking efforts and fatherly love for his daughter.

She earlier suspected Zhao Xingshang had some backing, but hearing this, she realized he merely wanted self-preservation.

After thinking, she said, "Since that’s the case, I’ll write a letter back, informing Elder Brother and let him choose."

Meanwhile, she sent Yao Da to rest.

After Yao Da left, Old Granny Zhang emerged, asking a couple of questions and finally easing, yet still remarked, "That witch Lady Lin is fortunate. Giving birth to sons is her life’s greatest blessing. After all the crimes and wrongdoings, she can still rely on her sons for peaceful old age. It’s too easy for her!"

Wang Yongzhu advised, "This isn’t necessarily bad. If the Zhao family indeed supports her in retirement, Zhao Xingshang’s tact surely won’t allow Lady Lin to stay in Qilidun or Shiqiao Town causing trouble for his daughter."

"He might even send Lady Lin far away, to a small house with some money monthly, overseen. It won’t cost much and spares his daughter, sparing Elder Brother trouble — that’s good!"

Old Granny Zhang, realizing this, fell silent.

When past Jing County, Wang Yongzhu, eager to return, ordered the ship to speed up, traveling day and night northward.

Naturally, others had no objections, especially the official from the Minister of Agriculture, keen to see the high-yield wheat fields.

Thus, reaching Linshui City in just half a month.

Song Chongjin had long known, calculating time and distance.

The previous day, he arrived in Linshui City to await Wang Yongzhu and the others.

He sent someone early to watch at the dock, quickly spotting the fleet, hastening back to report.

As Wang Yongzhu’s fleet docked, she first saw Song Chongjin at the harbor.

Among the crowd, Wang Yongzhu easily identified the tallest, dark, imposing man.

Song Chongjin’s gaze scanned the fleet, locking onto Wang Yongzhu’s boat, perfectly meeting her eyes.

Their gazes intertwined, and for a long time, their eyes held only each other.

Song Chongjin’s mouth curled uncontrollably, his eyes softening with a smile. Without waiting for the boat to stabilize, he nimbly boarded, swiftly moving to Wang Yongzhu, drawing her into his embrace: "Yongzhu, you’ve finally returned—"