A Good Country Wife-Chapter 649 - 642_1

"How is it, has there been any news from your shopkeeper?" The steward Liu had sent his trusted steward, who, although a steward outside, was actually a home-born servant of the Jiang Family, raised from childhood to be a loyal servant. His true loyalty lay with the Jiang Family. Lin Yue had seen him many times, and Jiang Ziqi had also mentioned the steward’s identity, so she was very familiar with him.

"Madam Lin, the shopkeeper sent me to deliver a message to you. We have ascertained the specific location of those black-clad people and confirmed that Master Xue and the others indeed fell into their hands. However, those black-clad people are highly vigilant, and we dare not rashly alert them to avoid startling the snake and ruining the plans. Therefore, we must make long-term plans and seize the right opportunity before we can send people to infiltrate. Naturally, we can’t make a move yet. Shopkeeper Liu sent me because he was worried Madam Lin would become anxious, so he wanted to inform you in advance," the steward said at a measured pace.

"There is no rush. These things cannot be hurried, and acting rashly could spoil everything. It is good to hear news of Master Xue and the others. But has the shopkeeper managed to uncover the identities of those black-clad people? What sort of people are targeting our family and with what purpose?" Because of the steward’s identity and the large amount of authority he wielded in Xin’an City, Lin Yue could directly ask him such a question. The steward was privy to almost all of the shopkeeper Liu’s secrets. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

"The specific identities of those individuals are still unclear, but we have confirmed that they are connected to an aristocratic family in the capital. The details still require further investigation to determine. As for why they have targeted the Zhao Family, it is probably out of jealousy over business matters, or perhaps it’s related to the Emperor entrusting old Master Zhao with the overseas trade affairs. Of course, these are only my speculations based on the current clues and circumstances, so they cannot be completely certain," he said without any concealment.

The steward spoke frankly because he was directly under the orders of the Jiang Family and had the role of monitoring the actions of shopkeeper Liu and others in Xin’an City. Jiang Ziqi had also instructed him before, since these matters did not involve the Jiang Family’s secrets or affect their interests. Therefore, he had nothing to hide from Lin Yue and answered matter-of-factly.

"It aligns with what I had thought. I also speculated as much, but I hadn’t expected these people to be so bold as to take action. Aren’t they afraid of being found out and blamed by the Emperor?!" Lin Yue trusted the Emperor too much. She thought that even if some were dissatisfied or had certain ideas, they would at least not go too far openly. Any covert actions, they would try to resolve themselves. She had underestimated the brazenness and greed of these individuals. The aristocrats still held considerable sway in the Court, and the power had not consolidated. Concerned more with their interests, they even thought to use this to restrain the Emperor, hence their daring actions.

"Perhaps they have calculated that without evidence the Emperor might not be able to do anything to them. These noble families have always been arrogant, relying on their roots within the Court; they would even dare to oppose the Emperor in regular times, let alone others. Of course, I am not clear on these affairs myself. I only spoke recklessly a few words because Madam Lin asked, but please take it with a grain of salt," the steward said. Usually, he was very cautious. After all, he was a home-born servant and knew to be careful with his words. He said so much only in hopes that Lin Yue would understand the situation in the Court better and thus make calmer and more informed decisions. He was fulfilling the Family Head’s trust in him.

"I understand what you mean. I actually know some things about the affairs in the Court, but I guess I thought too simply." Lin Yue pondered, stating that her thoughts were too simplistic is less accurate than saying she overestimated the Emperor’s power to intimidate. To the common people, the Emperor was like a deity who could take lives and determine their fate with a single word. She had imputed her thoughts into the context and underestimated the ambition and audacity of the aristocratic families.

"It’s good that you don’t blame me for being meddlesome."

"Of course not, you meant well. Let’s not talk about this anymore. Now that they have taken action and kidnapped Master Xue and the others, it’s too late to discuss this. The most urgent thing is to rescue the people. It’s not a good strategy for shopkeeper Liu to just wait on the outside without making any moves. If they decide to leave before we uncover any information, we need to infiltrate as soon as possible and gather intelligence."

"That makes sense, but we still have the same problem," the steward said. "Those black-clad people are too vigilant, and our men simply have no chance of infiltrating them."

"There will always be a chance. No matter how alert they are or how well-defended, they came from the capital after all and don’t have a foundation in Xin’an City. Some aspects can’t be that comprehensive. For example, their daily meals. They can’t all be self-prepared; they will need someone to cook for them. If they do prepare their food themselves, they still have to buy their ingredients from someone else. These are all possible channels. If used correctly, our people might be able to blend in," Lin Yue said thoughtfully.

"Madam Lin is right; the shopkeeper has thought of that as well and has already sent people to meddle in these affairs to create an opportunity to infiltrate as quickly as possible."

"Since shopkeeper Liu has taken care of everything so meticulously, I’m relieved. You go back first and report to shopkeeper Liu. Once there’s new information, send a message to me," Lin Yue said, rewarding the steward with ten taels of silver as compensation for his hard work. Knowing Lin Yue’s temperament and that Jiang Ziqi hadn’t objected the last time, the steward accepted her reward with prompt gratitude.

After sending the steward away, Lin Yue had nothing else to do but wait for news from shopkeeper Liu. However, Liu’s progress was not smooth, perhaps because the black-clad people had sensed something. Several attempts by Liu to place insiders were unsuccessful, and the black-clad people were about to leave Xin’an City for the capital.

Seeing no movement from shopkeeper Liu’s side, Lin Yue became restless and took a horse-drawn carriage to the city, where she learned that these black-clad people were set to depart the next day, leaving her looking grave.

"Shopkeeper Liu, the black-clad people are about to leave. If we let them leave Xin’an City just like that, once they are out of our territory, it’ll become much harder to act. Do you have any plans or countermeasures in mind now?" she asked.

"To be honest with you, Madam Lin, I don’t have a foolproof plan," Liu admitted. "Since plotting has failed, we can only take a forceful approach. I’ve already gathered people and am waiting to take action tonight to rescue Master Xue and the others first."