Chapter 222: If Something Doesn’t Feel Right, I’ll Eat
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The siblings in the living room couldn’t bear it any longer. No wonder they were married; both were harsh with their words.
As they left the county governor’s residence, they slipped and fell face-first into the mud.
Qiao Mai rolled her eyes. “You just became a county governor, and people are already falling over themselves to get close to you?”
“Wife, I can handle it. You don’t need to worry.”
“Don’t blame me for not telling you. In the past, I might have let you go if you were interested in other women. But now, you and I are together. You belong to me. I’m a bit of a neat freak. If you even touch another woman, I won’t forgive you, no matter whether it’s consensual.”
“Honey, I swear. I won’t come within three meters of any other woman except for you.”
“Swear? Plans can change. Your oaths are useless. Some people can be persuasive.”
“Don’t worry; I have your pills. If something isn’t right, I’ll take it.”
Qiao Mai snorted, “These are the New Year’s gifts I brought for you. Give them to your subordinates. Go check it.”
Yuan Jiaqi held her hand and said, “My wife, you are the best thing that ever happened to me in this world. I can never repay you in this lifetime. I’m moved.”
“The best repayment is your unwavering love and companionship for me.”
“If I ever do anything wrong, I’ll take care of it.”
“Remember what you just said.”
They left the living room and saw the mountain of gifts in the courtyard. Yuan Jiaqi quickly summoned the house steward and the accountants to count the items.
“When does the court have a holiday?”
“We have a holiday on the 30th. I’ll return home the afternoon before. If there’s nothing urgent, I’ll leave after the New Year.”
“Do you have an escort?”
“Yes, Old Master Wang provided six guards who have always been with me.”
“Don’t forget to reward them.”
“They will all be rewarded.”
Once the steward and accountants had finished counting the items, Yuan Jiaqi called for all the official attendants.
County She was poor and couldn’t afford a county deputy governor and county lieutenant, so Yuan Jiaqi could make decisions in this area without consulting anyone.
Twenty court runners and six clerks stood neatly lined up at the door.
Yuan Jiaqi directed the servants, “Bring several baskets. Each person gets five apples, five pears, twenty oranges, one banana, one honeydew, one piece of preserved meat, five sausages, and twenty taels of silver.”
“Thank you, sir!”
Hearing that the governor had provided them with New Year’s goods, they shouted excitedly.
“Well, you’ve all done well this year. Work even harder next year, and my wife will provide rewards during the New Year.”
“Oh, sir, this is from your wife.”
Yuan Jiaqi glared at them and said, “What else do you expect? My salary is so low; it wouldn’t be enough to buy all these things.” “These things are valuable. Thank you, Madam!”
Madam Qiao smiled. “I’m sure you all know about Lucky Garden in Tianshui Town, right?”
“Wow, you are the lady of that place? We all know about it. We’ve even secretly bought things from there. Your snacks are delicious!”
“Stick with my husband. I won’t mistreat you, and during the New Year, you’re welcome to visit our home.”
“Yes, Madam, we will work hard with the governor.”
They were deeply moved. The governor and his wife were so approachable. They’d never seen a county governor like this before.
“Go on, everyone.”
“Yes.”
The officials happily carried the baskets and left. Next, it was the turn of the household servants. Yuan Jiaqi went through another round of rewards for them.
Each received two apples, two pears, five oranges, half a banana, and ten taels of silver.
The servants almost knelt in gratitude. In County She, it was not easy to find a job, let alone get rewarded. It was tough to find such an accommodating family. They cherished it deeply.
Lastly, it was the guards’ turn. Qiao Mai pointed at the remaining goods.
“Take a basket each. Choose whatever you like, and each of you gets a hundred taels of silver. Get the money from the chest yourself. You’ve all worked hard this past half-year.”
“Sir, it’s our duty.”
“Go ahead and take what you like. When we return to Tianshui Town, let me know what you want to eat, and I’ll arrange it for you.”
“Haha, thank you.”
These guards had always followed Yuan Jiaqi, and they enjoyed their time at
Lucky Garden. Every time they went there, it was like entering heaven.
They relished the food and lodging.
Once they had picked out their items, they were sent to the warehouse.
“I have to go now.”
“Wife, please stay the night.”
“I’m not used to this place. If you ask me to stay, I won’t be able to sleep all night.”
“Alright, I’ll try to come home as early as possible.”
Qiao Mai whistled. Dong Zhao came trotting up with rhythmic hoofbeats. She mounted her horse. Yuan Jiaqi watched his wife’s graceful figure with envy.
“Wife…
Just as he was about to speak, someone arrived at the door. Yuan Jiaqi’s expression darkened.
He roared, “Close the gate. In the future, if a woman comes to visit, tell her I’m not here. If it’s not official business, drive her away. Let them handle official matters at the court.”
Seeing this, Qiao Mai couldn’t help but chuckle. “Your admirers are quite persistent, aren’t they?”
“They are only interested in my status as a county governor.”
“Who said that? That princess was interested in you.”
“Wife? Can we not talk about this? Even if the Heavenly Empress came down from the heavens, my eyes would only see you.”
Qiao Mai pouted, “Why didn’t I notice you were so good at sweet talk before?”
“Isn’t it to make my wife happy? I learned a bit from books.”
“Haha!”
Qiao Mai was in a good mood. The house servants opened a side door, and she rode out. When she saw the girl standing there, staring blankly at the gate, she asked, “Miss, have you fallen in love?”
The girl blushed and quickly looked down, not saying anything.
“Is it County Governor Yuan that has captured your heart?”
The girl remained silent. “Well, it’s no surprise. My husband is good-looking, talented, and, most importantly, the county governor. Many women admire him. But admiration is one thing, and acting on it is another.”
The girl finally looked up, shocked by the woman in front of her.
In addition to her appearance, Qiao Mai’s demeanor made her incomparable.
“I’ll allow you to admire my husband. People naturally appreciate beautiful things. However, you must maintain your integrity. My husband and I are deeply in love, and you shouldn’t interfere. Otherwise, I hold grudges. If you annoy me, I will help him cut off the women around him.” Qiao Mai smiled and looked back at Yuan Jiaqi at the gate.
“The next time I come, I hope not to encounter this situation.”
Yuan Jiaqi felt like crying. “Wife, I’m innocent. The legs are attached to them. I can’t just break them, can I?”
Qiao Mai patted Dong Zhao’s head. “Let’s go. We’re going home. It’s more comfortable at home without all this hassle.’
Watching Qiao Mai ride away swiftly, Yuan Jiaqi shot a fierce glare at the girl standing at the door, then turned and headed towards the government office.
The girl hurriedly followed him, “Sir?”
He turned around abruptly, “Do you have a grievance to report?”
The girl shook her head. “Are you going to file a complaint then?” She shook her head again.
“In that case, get lost! I’ve finally managed to woo my wife, and you people can’t see how happy I am. You don’t want single guys; you insist on chasing married men. Have you lost all sense of shame?” Yuan Jiaqi yelled, feeling a weight lifted from his heart. He glanced at the girl, “Are you mute?”
The girl shook her head. “Sir, I genuinely admire you.”
Yuan Jiaqi took a deep breath, “I love my wife deeply. I will only treat her well for the rest of my life and never take a concubine. Even if she were to pass away, I would remain chaste for her. Understand? Tsk, my wife won’t die..”
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