Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 300: Chapter 308: A Field of Knowledge
Mrs. Liu repeatedly instructed, and although she had scolded Lvru earlier, it was because the words Lvru had spoken were highly inappropriate. Her husband valued the relationship with the Han Family, so naturally, she also had to maintain it in front of the servants. In reality, she did feel that Su Wenyue was a bit petty; even though the price of food had indeed become more precious these days, they were not an ordinary family. Presenting so much pickles as gifts seemed somewhat beneath their dignity, especially since the Han Family’s pickles had not yet gained much of a reputation. Unexpectedly, the gifts Su Wenyue brought also included foods from the outer domain, which changed everything, as everything was valuable because of its rarity.

Lvru’s face turned red; she had just been criticizing Madam Han and now felt the sting of being contradicted. After all, Lvru was just outspoken and didn’t harbor any ill intentions. Hearing that some of the foods she disdained were rare items from the outer domain, she realized that no matter their quality, rare things always seemed valuable.

“Madam, I have learned my lesson and will not speak out of turn again,” Lvru truly acknowledged her mistake this time, finding the reality a harsher teacher than Mrs. Liu’s reprimand.

“As long as you’ve learned your lesson,” Mrs. Liu nodded. She valued Lvru, and one of the reasons was for Lvru’s character. To her, being clever and smart was not as important to have in a servant girl as loyalty and integrity were.

Other households that received gifts sent by Su Wenyue initially had the same thoughts as Mrs. Liu. However, once they learned that the unfamiliar foods were from the outer domain, their contempt vanished. Given the difficulty of overseas trade at the time, the shortage made such items precious, not merely something money could buy—sometimes, connections were needed to obtain them.

Madame Zhao’s emotions were mixed upon receiving the gifts sent by Su Wenyue. At the time, she thought highly of Han Yu as a promising young man destined for a great future, which made her willing to befriend Su Wenyue and bestow her favor. Now, her predictions had been confirmed, although she never anticipated Han Yu’s rise to be so rapid, which kindled envy in her. Su Wenyue, who she once had to look up to, was now her equal—thanks to the accomplishments of Mrs. Su’s husband.

In just a few months, Han Yu had attained a rank equal to her husband’s, an advancement that demanded attention. While luck played a role, genuine skill must also be present; otherwise, Han Yu couldn’t have eradicated the fierce bandits whom the Imperial Court had failed to suppress after several attempts, which led to his promotion to office.

Speaking of Han Yu’s recent transfer to the prefecture, the servants might have been unaware, but Madame Zhao was informed. It was the result of a struggle between two factions in the city. With a vacant post at stake, neither side wanted an opponent to fill it, inadvertently favoring the unaffiliated Han Yu. However, even though Han Yu’s position was elevated and he was posted to the prefecture, entering the military camp there would likely be fraught with difficulties.

“Please thank Madam Han for me; I appreciate her thoughtful gesture. If she has spare time, invite her to visit me. After all, we’re old acquaintances, having both spent time in Xinluo Town. The fondness between us is naturally different from others,” Madame Zhao told Aunt Li, who handled matters tastefully and was a trusted old woman by her side. Thus, for visits to more important figures, Su Wenyue usually sent Aunt Li.

Madame Zhao’s words also indicated she had advice to offer Su Wenyue. Although Madame Zhao wasn’t entirely optimistic about Han Yu’s prospects at the Prefecture General Camp, her husband had mentioned that this young man was not simple. He was determined and thoughtful; even in tough situations, he might carve out a path for himself. Therefore, Madame Zhao was willing to give Su Wenyue some guidance and favor, thinking that if Han Yu were to succeed, he would remember this kindness. If not, it was no harm done; after all, it simply involved a little more talking, which cost her nothing.

Upon returning, Aunt Li conveyed Madame Zhao’s message to Su Wenyue, who pondered its implications. Perhaps Madame Zhao had something to tell her; otherwise, she wouldn’t have specifically brought up a visit. It might be that Madame Zhao had inside information she wished to pass on to Han Yu, as Lord Zhao was now part of the General Battalion. It was normal for Madame Zhao to be privy to some details. Or maybe there was intent to win over Han Yu?

Considering this, Su Wenyue weighed Madame Zhao’s words and guessed her intentions. Whatever the case, she had to find time to visit Zhao Mansion—one of her objectives upon arriving in the prefecture was to foster good relations with these madams. Now, she might just accelerate that process and possibly gain some useful information.

“Aunt Li, arrange it so that I will visit Zhao Mansion tomorrow. Instruct the servants to make preparations,” Su Wenyue decided then and there.

When Han Yu came home, Su Wenyue didn’t forget to discuss Madame Zhao’s matter with him, to hear Han Yu’s thoughts. After all, he often had more insightful information, and where she might overlook something, Han Yu could provide a comprehensive perspective.

“In that case, you should visit Zhao Mansion tomorrow. I have heard some rumors as well, but since we’ve just arrived in the prefecture, I haven’t had a chance to confirm their accuracy. Since Madame Zhao is inclined, it would be good for you to listen to what she has to say,” Han Yu said thoughtfully. He had considered the matter; previously, Lord Zhao had shown appreciation for him, and his goodwill had been consistent. Even Han Yu’s promotion to Deputy Lieutenant was largely due to Lord Zhao’s support. It’s unlikely that Madame Zhao would make things difficult for his daughter-in-law. If Madame Zhao truly had something to communicate or advise through her, it was worth the visit. Besides, given her current status, Su Wenyue was on an equal footing with Madame Zhao and wouldn’t be bullied.

“Alright, that’s what I decided as well. I’ve already instructed Aunt Li to prepare, and the invitation has been sent. I will visit Zhao Mansion tomorrow.”

The second day, Su Wenyue got up early, checked on her child, instructed the nanny to take good care of him, and then headed for Zhao Mansion.

Madame Zhao, to show her regard, had her Maid greet Su Wenyue personally at the gate. Seeing Su Wenyue again, Madame Zhao was once more taken aback by her beauty. Back then, she found Mrs. Su exceptionally lovely, a beautiful and intelligent woman. Now, however, she saw an added touch of grace and elegance to Su Wenyue, no doubt a result of the change in her status.

In the past, given Han Yu’s lower rank, Su Wenyue had to be careful not to draw undue attention or jealousy, which could trouble Han Yu, even in a small place like Xinye County where many had higher ranks—and even more so in the prefecture. Su Wenyue had been cautious with her appearance and attire. With Han Yu’s change in status, her dress and attire naturally differed. Arriving in the prefecture as a newcomer with a humble farming background, having climbed the ranks so rapidly, many inevitably held him in some contempt. Su Wenyue intended to use her attire to gain the other madams’ esteem, thus influencing their husbands indirectly. Dress and appearance, after all, are an art form in themselves.