Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 95: Losing Face Completely

Translator: 549690339

“Everyone probably doesn’t know that not only this year but in the past, the birthday packages were all made and sent by our Second House. Though we are poor, we have put our full heart and effort into celebrating Grandma’s birthday. And yet, we don’t receive any benefits in return. I’m beginning to suspect whether Father-in-law is really Grandma’s own flesh and blood!” Such words could only come from Mrs. Liu naturally, and only she could say them.

Mrs. Liu may have lacked confidence in the Han Family due to not having a son, but the family had already split their household, and she feared no one but her mother-in-law. As Grandma stayed with the Main House and had no control over their Second House, Mrs. Liu was unafraid. She had long grown used to Grandma’s unfair treatment of the Second House, extracting benefits from them without any qualms. Now, with Fourth Daughter-in-law’s backing, Mrs. Liu felt it would be a disservice to herself not to make a scene. With Fourth Daughter-in-law’s support, Mrs. Liu now idolized Su Wenyue, feeling invincible.

Before arriving, Su Wenyue had indeed subtly instilled this notion among the various daughters-in-law of the Han Family, not as a mere show of force. Knowing that she was destined for the Main House to celebrate Grandma’s birthday and aware of the troublesome nature of Grandma Han and the Main House, she had already sent someone to investigate and turned the Main House inside out. Su Wenyue indeed held the lifeblood of the Main House, and with this leverage, she could control the situation no matter how big a scene occurred. The reputations of Grandma Han and the Main House were no longer within her scope of concern.

With Mrs. Liu’s outburst, not only did the guests whisper amongst themselves, but Grandma and the people of the Main House also had looks that were less than pleased. The birthday packages made by the Second House along with some facts unknown to everyone had been used by Grandma to bolster her eldest grandson’s business face, advertising her capable grandson. Now, exposed by Mrs. Liu’s shouting, not only was Grandma’s face lost, but Han Ping’s face was completely thrown away as well.

The only people in the Main House who were not displeased were Mrs. Han Wang and her two sons. Their stance was opposed to their stepson’s, and inwardly they couldn’t help but take a bit of joy in the disaster. However, out of consideration for Grandma and fear of upsetting Han Jinbiao, they held back their feelings.

“So it turns out that the birthday packages every year were brought by the Han Family Second Branch. Just making so many packages would cost a lot, not to mention the flour. How could Grandma credit everything to the Main House? Such favoritism is rare to see, and even we outsiders feel it’s unfair.”

“Indeed, I previously thought the Second House was just being stingy. Now it seems that isn’t the case at all!”

Seeing that Grandma’s expression was quite unpleasant and fearing that further outrage could be detrimental to them, Han Jincai, with Mrs. Liu still looking ready to continue the commotion, quickly began to scold, “Mrs. Liu, shut your mouth! Don’t you know the rules anymore? How dare you talk to your elders like that! Whatever the elders say, you as the younger have to listen, no matter how wronged you feel. You can’t be disrespectful in front of so many people. Today is a good day, and I won’t argue with you, but go over there and don’t make a scene.”

Han Jincai’s words were skillfully phrased; although outwardly he was chastising Mrs. Liu, the underlying meaning left much to ponder.

Despite feeling angry, Grandma Han suppressed her rage for the sake of face, thinking that she would settle the account with the Second House family after the feast. They shouldn’t think she didn’t realize that they had come here today on purpose to vex her.

The incident had already happened, and Mrs. Liu had said everything that should and shouldn’t have been said. Dwelling on it was pointless, especially since Mrs. Liu was only stating facts that couldn’t even be refuted. The best course of action now was to sweep things under the rug and not bring it up again. Han Jinbiao quickly announced the beginning of the feast and started taking care of the guests with his sons.

In contrast to the Main House’s irritation, this was the first time the people of the Second House felt such joy on Grandma’s birthday. After being oppressed by the Main House for so many years, they finally had a chance to turn the tables, exhaling years of pent-up resentment.

After the feast, Mrs. Yang and her daughter-in-law still had to help, cleaning the Kitchen and tidying up before they could leave.

“Grandma.” Everyone was bustling about, but Mrs. Han Zhou took the opportunity to stealthily approach Grandma Han when people were not paying attention.

“Brother Ping’s daughter-in-law, what are you doing here instead of helping in the Kitchen? Is this a time for slacking off? With that lazy and gluttonous Mrs. Wang and those people from the Second House, I’m not at ease with the leftovers from today’s feast just sitting in the Kitchen without anyone watching over them.” Grandma was in a foul mood and had no kind words for Mrs. Zhou, who she usually favored.

“Grandma, rest assured, I’ve locked away today’s leftover birthday packages and main dishes securely. Besides, am I the kind of person who likes to idle? Having been married into the Han Family for so long, Grandma should be clear about my character. I have a matter to discuss with you, Grandma.” With resentment toward the people of the Second House in her heart, Mrs. Han Zhou had already thought of a plan that could strike at the Second House while gaining benefits for herself, and she was eager to seek out Grandma Han.

“Oh? What is it? Does it have to do with the Second House?”

“Grandma, what do you think about Fourth Daughter-in-law’s servant girl? The one named Xiao Xi.”

Upon hearing the name Xiao Xi, Grandma was first taken aback and then recalled who she was, her face showing disdain and disgust.

“What about her? Isn’t she just a sharp-tongued little girl? Her mistress is full of bad ideas, and she’s no good herself.”

Since Fourth Daughter-in-law joined the family, things had changed for the Second House; they grew more assertive and even dared to confront her. Clearly, this had something to do with Fourth Daughter-in-law. Although Grandma Han had no solid proof, it didn’t prevent her from speculating and imagining. Moreover, Su Wenyue’s previous stance in support of Mrs. Yang had left Grandma Han with a grudge.

Upon hearing Grandma’s words, Mrs. Zhou knew she had to change Grandma’s opinion to achieve her goal.

“Mother, you’ve wronged Xiao Xi. She’s a good girl. I saw her working in the Kitchen, quick and clean. She’s much better than Han Yu’s wife, and she’s even quite good-looking. She speaks and acts with grace, no less than a servant girl from a Wealthy Family. Even the Miss from a lesser family can’t compare to her. It’s no wonder people say it’s better to marry a servant from a grand household than a lady from a lesser one; there is reason in those words.”

“Is that girl really that good? You’re speaking on her behalf as if Xiao Xi were your own servant, protecting her like this. But she does seem to be a straightforward girl, better than Han Yu’s wife, without too many schemes. It’s a pity she is just a servant girl.”

“What’s there to fear about being a servant girl? As long as she redeems herself, she’s a citizen with good standing. If Han Yu’s wife agrees to let her go, that’s all that matters.”

“Brother Ping’s daughter-in-law, be honest with me. With all your eager praise for Xiao Xi, are you harboring some ulterior motive?” The old lady still hadn’t completely lost her wits.