Rebirth of a Farming Wife

“What? Daughter-in-law, are you saying that Feng Susu and her son are the wife and child that General An is looking for?!” Han Yu found it hard to believe. If it was true, and wielded properly, it could not only dissolve the current crisis and predicament but also help him secure his footing in the prefecture.

Han Yu’s situation in the military camp was indeed very difficult. Prime Minister Wang’s power overshadowed the court and bureaucracy, and Mr. Sun, his adversary, clung to Prime Minister Wang’s powerful position, constantly making things difficult for him, eager to get rid of him. Were it not for Yiyang Prefecture’s distance from Chang’an and Prime Minister Wang’s influence being less significant there, and the fact that Han Yu was in the military camp, outside of Prime Minister Wang’s full control, Han Yu could still find a slight breathing space.

“Indeed, I am almost certain of it. However, General An is no ordinary person. It wouldn’t be appropriate to rashly approach him; a misstep might lead General An to suspect our intentions, and that would be counterproductive. So, this matter still relies on your arrangement,” said Su Wenyue, aware that her only advantage was her experience from her previous life. In terms of intelligence and wisdom, she truly couldn’t compare to Han Yu, so it was more appropriate to leave such matters to him.

Han Yu didn’t ask how Su Wenyue had come to her discovery. There were things Su Wenyue didn’t mention, and Han Yu wouldn’t pry into them. In any case, he knew his daughter-in-law was looking out for his best interests, and he even suspected that she must have known of Feng Susu and her son’s status before taking them in.

“You’ve thought it through well, and indeed, we can’t act recklessly on this matter but need to find the right moment. But you have truly done me a huge favor this time. If handled well, this issue could alleviate the situation of our family as well, so we won’t have to struggle like we do now,” Han Yu now truly believed that his daughter-in-law brought him luck, as she always seemed to lead him to good fortune.

“I don’t know much about affairs outside, but I’m glad I can help you. Look how much weight you’ve lost recently. You need to take care of your health; no career is more important than your own well-being. We’re still young; there is no need to rush. Slowly does it. For someone your age to have achieved your current position through your own abilities is already remarkable,” said Su Wenyue, hoping only for her family to live in peace and safety. If it weren’t for knowing Han Yu’s ambition, she would’ve urged him not to push himself so hard. After all, what was there to fret over having gone through a lifetime again?

“Rest assured, I know my limits. Having stepped into this complicated circle, some matters cannot be resolved by my withdrawal alone. You needn’t worry about me; just take good care of yourself and our child.”

Seeing Han Yu say so, Su Wenyue refrained from further persuasion. In truth, they had no way back and could only move forward, or they would be trampled underfoot by their adversaries. They already had an unresolved issue with the Sun Family.

With the matter of Feng Susu and her child entrusted to Han Yu, Su Wenyue no longer concerned herself with it. The greenhouse on their Zhuangzi would soon yield a new batch of vegetables. This time there was a large quantity, too much for their own use, so she thought of renting a shop space because these fruits and vegetables, many of which were grown from foreign seeds, could definitely sell for a good price at this time of year compared to local produce.

When it came to shop matters, Su Wenyue was unfamiliar with business. She sent someone to her mother’s family to ask her big brother for help in finding a suitable store. Su Hengyi cared deeply for his sister’s affairs. Upon hearing the news, he came over.

“Younger Sister, are you thinking of opening a shop to sell fruits and vegetables? If it’s just fruits and vegetables, it’s not economical to open a single shop since these products fetch a good price only during this season,” said Su Hengyi. Su Wenyue had never run a shop before, and he, concerned about her lack of business experience, naturally wanted to advise his sister.

“I’ve considered that. The shop won’t just sell fruits and vegetables, but also food grains and some snacks and pastries. I only have a rough idea now; I haven’t worked out the details. Overall, I’m aiming for the high-end market. In this world, most families are just barely getting by, and only rich and noble families can afford to spend more. I might as well price higher to enhance the prestige,” said Su Wenyue, who, although without experience in running a store, understood the mindset of the wealthy.

Initially worried that his sister might be acting on a whim, Su Hengyi was reassured when she spoke confidently and with a solid plan, “Since that’s the case, I’ll make two shop spaces available for you on East Main Street. There’s lots of foot traffic there, and the shop spaces are large. Most people there are from rich and noble families, which would suit your business well.”

Su Hengyi proved to be a loving big brother, readily offering two successful shops from his own holdings, as long as his sister was serious about running them. However, Su Wenyue declined.

She knew of those two shops, which were prime in location and size and were currently thriving. Her big brother might be willing to spoil her, but she couldn’t take advantage of that. She hadn’t sought her brother’s help to take advantage of her mother’s family but to learn the ropes, as each business had its rules, and the business world had its complexities.

“Big Brother, I don’t want those two shops, they are doing just fine. Why would you give them to me?”

“Silly girl, what’s the big deal about one or two shops? Just take what your big brother gives you. Don’t let it create distance between us,” said Su Hengyi, a known shrewd fox in the business world. Yet, when it came to his sister, he was willing to give up two well-performing shops without a second thought, genuinely unbothered.

“Big Brother, I really don’t want them. I’m looking to run a business for the long term; I can’t always rely on your support. If I were really upset with you, I wouldn’t have come to you for help. Your sister has grown up now; she wants to earn money by her own merits. Big Brother, could you help me look around? Where are there suitable shops to buy? The location isn’t the key factor, it doesn’t have to be in a busy area, just as long as the space is large, the environment is pleasant, and it’s convenient for customers,” said Su Wenyue.

Only then did Su Hengyi relent, impressed by his sister’s initiative to carve out her own niche. As a brother, he naturally needed to endorse her, “Alright then, I’ll have someone look into it right away. I’ll let you know once I have news. Your requirements aren’t high; you should be able to find something suitable.”

“Thank you, Big Brother. But please hurry, I need to have the shop renovated before the vegetables at the Zhuangzi are ready to harvest, and there isn’t much time.”