Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Hearing Mrs. Wang’s words, Mrs. Yang’s smile faded a bit. She didn’t say anything, and it was hard to tell what she was thinking, but clearly, she wasn’t pleased.

Su Wenyue watched coldly, choosing not to immediately defend Mrs. Li. She wanted to see Mrs. Li’s reaction first. People change, and having not seen her for such a long time, Mrs. Li had clearly changed, but whether it was for better or worse was unknown.

“Third sister-in-law, what you are saying isn’t appropriate. I don’t think that way at all. Life at home is getting better and better, and Fourth Brother has such a bright future—everyone is delighted about it. As for my Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, they will always be mine, as well as my child’s grandparents, and that will never change. My Husband, child, and I will always show them filial respect,” Mrs. Li said in a measured tone, addressing Mrs. Wang’s remarks while also clarifying her position.

“You talk a good talk; who knows what you’re really thinking!” Mrs. Wang retorted irritably. The current Mrs. Li was no longer the same person she used to bully without a peep of complaint; she was now a formidable presence.

Mrs. Li faced Mrs. Wang’s challenge without any sign of weakness, “What I say is exactly what I think, and as for my actions, everyone will see them in time.”

“All that sounds prettier than music…” Mrs. Wang wanted to add some more sarcastic remarks

“Enough, Third Daughter-in-law, today is a joyous occasion, and I don’t want to squabble with you. Stop stirring trouble like a shit-stirring stick, or I won’t spare you. Don’t think just because we’ve split the household, I can’t do anything about you. As long as you are a Daughter-in-law of the old Han family, you have to listen to me, your Mother-in-law. Otherwise, I’ll have your Third Brother divorce you, you troublemaker!” Mrs. Yang said with a hint of ruthlessness; she was unhappy with Mrs. Wang’s antics, which had been growing increasingly intolerable.

Han Lin sat quietly to the side, watching Mrs. Wang being scolded by Mrs. Yang without any reaction. At first, he had some affection for Mrs. Wang; after all, she was his wife, and their initial time together had been pleasant. However, her behavior over time had grown increasingly unsatisfactory: causing disgraceful incidents, injuring his mother, creating unrest at home, and promising a son only to deliver a daughter. While he was naturally unhappy with a daughter, still, she was his own flesh and blood. Mrs. Wang’s heartless attitude towards her was unacceptable—had his Mother not discovered it in time, Si Ya might have been lost.

“Why would you divorce me?! Your old Han family is unfair. Is it just because the Fourth Daughter-in-law can have sons, and I only gave birth to a worthless daughter? Had I known, I wouldn’t have had her at all, not to mention, I won’t only have her. Isn’t Sister-in-law just the same with only two daughters? Who’s actually better? I am still young, but Sister-in-law, at her age—whether she can have more remains a question,” Mrs. Wang spit out, her words growing sharper and more bitter. First attacking Mrs. Li, she suddenly turned against Mrs. Liu, as if she couldn’t stand seeing anyone else happy and oblivious to Mrs. Yang’s increasingly dark countenance.

Mrs. Liu had initially been watching with schadenfreude, not expecting to become the target. Mrs. Wang’s words hit where it hurt; they were venomous, criticizing her age and curse her incapable of having more sons, which no woman could tolerate.

“Say that one more time,” Mrs. Liu said fiercely, glaring at Mrs. Wang as if ready to confront her.

“What if I say it again…”

“Enough! Have you caused enough trouble? Do you no longer want to live here, is that it? If you keep this up, I will heed Mother’s advice and divorce you immediately. Take the Divorce Letter and get out of here, back to your mother’s home!” Han Lin said angrily. He was already feeling uncomfortable seeing Han Yu’s success and pride, but he wasn’t foolish; crossing Han Yu would bring no benefit. It’d be better to cozy up to his elders instead, like the boss and Second Brother. Blood remained thicker than water, and he could still gain advantages. Just look at how comfortably the boss and Second Brother were living now, thanks to the Fourth son. Meanwhile, Mrs. Wang was making incessant trouble. If not for her, he wouldn’t have fallen out with his Fourth Brother.

Mrs. Wang wasn’t afraid of Mrs. Yang, but she was somewhat fearful of Han Lin. She knew Han Lin’s temper well enough, and his words carried a serious tone, especially with that old lady Mrs. Yang egging him on. Now that the Fourth Child had risen to prominence, that old lady probably held quite a few valuable possessions. Should she really set her mind to it, finding a new bride for Han Lin wasn’t out of question. Seeing Han Lin’s dissatisfaction with her, she knew he wouldn’t stand by her if it came down to it.

“I’ll say no more.” Even though Mrs. Wang was reluctant deep down, she had to submit, casting resentful glances around the room and lingering ominously on the three little ones Su Wenyue’s Nanny was holding behind her, staring intently as if plotting something. Su Wenyue, feeling uneasy from Mrs. Wang’s actions, discreetly shielded the three children from her gaze, resolving to get someone to watch over them later.

Han Yu also took note of Mrs. Wang’s erratic behavior. The woman was becoming more wildly unhinged than ever, barely concealing the bitterness on her face, especially with her narrow-mindedness and troubled thoughts. He needed to be extra vigilant since she had always targeted his Wife.

With Han Lin expressing his stance, Mrs. Yang’s expression finally eased a little, her brewing anger subsiding as well. It wasn’t ideal to have an outburst with the Fourth son and his wife present for just one day. Making a fuss would lead to village gossip and unrest, so with Mrs. Wang calming down, Mrs. Yang chose not to pursue the matter further.

Mrs. Liu still felt fuming anger but held back out of respect for her Mother-in-law, especially on the account of the Fourth son and his Wife’s rare visit. Why create a disturbance? She intended to bond with the Fourth Daughter-in-law; now an official’s Wife, whose daughters were growing up, she might need her assistance in the future.

“Fourth Brother, Fourth Daughter-in-law, I haven’t even asked about your plans for the future. Now that Fourth Brother is being transferred to the Prefecture General Camp, will you continue to rent a house in the prefecture as before? The expenses could be quite significant.”