Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Only by being clear of conscience can one withstand the oppressive air he deliberately exudes. After the last incident, Aunt Li managed to respond in time and make the most sensible arrangements, which pleased Han Yu. He started to rely heavily on her, although he also noticed that while Aunt Li carried out his orders decisively on a daily basis, in critical moments, she was more protective of Su Wenyue. Ironically, this fit his wishes even better, making her the most suitable person to stay by his daughter-in-law’s side.

Grandma Chen, in contrast, couldn’t match up to Aunt Li. Lacking decisiveness at crucial moments, her hesitancy and fear of taking responsibility often ruined things. Moreover, her excessive honesty hindered her from effectively interpreting the master’s wishes. However, Grandma Chen was loyal and meticulous. Although she wasn’t suited for important tasks, she was still quite capable of assisting Aunt Li with everyday matters. Thus, Han Yu had already established roles for both Aunt Li and Grandma Chen in his mind.

“It concerns some matters from the wife’s family. You all should be aware and try to divert the conversation whenever it comes up. As for how to do it, Aunt Li has the ability and should understand what to do. Grandma Chen, you just need to follow Aunt Li’s instructions,” said Han Yu. Although he didn’t explain it clearly, his words confirmed Aunt Li’s suspicions.

Upon hearing that something indeed happened to the Su Family, Aunt Li was worried, but she still maintained the propriety of a servant, not daring to inquire further, only wishing to know the current situation of the Su Family.

“This servant dares to ask, has the matter with Madam’s mother’s family caused any serious trouble?”

“The situation was dangerous, but it’s now under control. You just need to take care of Madam. I’ll handle the matters there. Remember, never let that show in front of Madam,” said Han Yu. He wasn’t one to fuss, but when it came to Su Wenyue’s matters, he couldn’t help but give detailed instructions. Clearly, he was worried. If he didn’t have to attend to various affairs and couldn’t leave his work, he would have preferred to stay by her side himself. After all, no matter how capable Aunt Li was, she was still a servant and couldn’t be flawless in everything.

“Master, rest assured, this servant will be vigilant,” replied Aunt Li. She initially wanted to suggest that perhaps they shouldn’t let Madam Yao and the others see Madam Su for a few days, but before she spoke, she realized it was inappropriate and held back.

As Grandma Chen watched Han Yu leave, she didn’t mind being told to listen to Aunt Li at all. Although she wasn’t as clever, she knew her limitations. She could serve others well, but couldn’t handle important matters. Last time when she heard the master was in danger, she panicked and was at a loss. It was Aunt Li who stepped up and steadied the situation, preventing anything untoward from happening to Madam. That’s why she was quite content to follow Aunt Li’s instructions—those with no talent should be led by those who have it. Moreover, although Aunt Li was strict in her duties, she was never unreasonable.

Su Wenyue found it odd not to see Aunt Li and Grandma Chen attend to her when she got up. They were usually meticulous, and when Han Yu wasn’t around, one of them would surely stay close by her side. Only by asking the servant girl did she learn that they had been called away by Han Yu.

Su Wenyue pouted, certain that Han Yu was either keeping something from her or had given Aunt Li and Grandma Chen some new orders. Whatever it was, it undoubtedly related to her. Although being pregnant granted her some privileges, and she could occasionally show Han Yu some ‘attitude,’ it also robbed her of her freedom, with him micromanaging and keeping secrets, all in the name of letting her rest easy for the pregnancy—how infuriating!

Thinking of this, Su Wenyue’s face turned stern. When she saw Aunt Li and Grandma Chen enter, her gaze was unwavering, fixed on them: “Aunt Li, Grandma Chen, what did my husband call you for?”

Seeing Su Wenyue’s expression, both Aunt Li and Grandma Chen felt a bit nervous—this look on Madam’s face was all too familiar, signaling that she was upset and ready to stir up trouble for everyone.

“Replying to Madam, the Master called this servant over to ensure I take good care of Madam and not to be negligent as I was yesterday, which tired Madam,” Aunt Li replied, skillfully handling Su Wenyue. She knew if she said it was nothing, Madam wouldn’t believe her; aligning with Han Yu’s usual habits, she gave a plausible reason.

Su Wenyue believed her, as Han Yu was usually too busy with work to spend time at home, and he feared that the servants might not concentrate on Madam without his supervision. He tended to issue reminders every other day, so it came as no surprise that after yesterday’s incident, he would summon Aunt Li and Grandma Chen for a scolding and instructing. However, although Su Wenyue thought this, she did not let go of her suspicions.

“Really? I feel something’s not quite right. Did he instruct you to do anything else?”

Aunt Li could barely cope under Han Yu’s pressure, and although Su Wenyue’s way of doing things fell slightly short of Han Yu’s, Aunt Li still managed to feign a bit of panic.

“Madam, this servant would never deceive you. The Master indeed gave such instructions, saying if this servant fails to serve Madam properly, I would lose face after these many years and wouldn’t have the cheek to see Madam Su,” Aunt Li said.

Seeing Aunt Li in such a state, Su Wenyue felt somewhat remorseful. Aunt Li had been a trusted old woman serving beside her mother, and her mother wouldn’t have parted with Aunt Li except for being too worried about her, her daughter. Now Aunt Li was reprimanded like this by Han Yu, and Su Wenyue could imagine Han Yu scolding Aunt Li with a cold face.

“Don’t listen to his nonsense; it’s not that serious. I’m not someone who can’t judge the severity of situations. With precise concern for the child in my stomach, I wouldn’t really act out. I’m well aware of the limits, and you can serve as you usually do. There’s no need to be too harsh on yourselves. My husband is just too anxious about the child in my belly, and if his words seemed too harsh, don’t take them to heart,” Su Wenyue said with a reassuring tone, as if to comfort Aunt Li and Grandma Chen. After all, they had come to the Han Family for her sake, thus pushing aside the previous irritation and doubt.

Aunt Li was relieved to see Su Wenyue relax; she was right in thinking that Madam had a kind heart and wouldn’t want to be harsh, even if they were just servants.

Grandma Chen thought differently. Having always seen Aunt Li strictly adhere to the rules, she had once thought Aunt Li was a rigid and unfeeling person. Now, witnessing Aunt Li lying smoothly and calmly to Madam without a hint of panic or fault, she couldn’t help but admire her. Grandma Chen found nothing wrong with Aunt Li’s actions. After all, Aunt Li was more loyal than anyone else around, definitely not capable of harming Madam. Today’s matter was also commanded by the master.

Aunt Li and Grandma Chen collaborated exceptionally well, and several days passed without letting Su Wenyue detect anything amiss. The trouble with the Su Family was so significant that it was the talk of the town, and even the servants in the mansion had heard whispers. But everyone knew that Madam, being pregnant, couldn’t be upset, and with the master’s warning and Aunt Li and Grandma Chen holding the fort, by the time Mrs. Yao Qin arrived at the mansion in a hurry and spoke her piece, Su Wenyue was still in the dark.