Chapter 198: Painstaking Management

Translator: 549690339

“Why does this have to be so complicated, and how did it get tangled up with the Fourth child?” Mrs. Yang, upon hearing that this matter could affect Han Yu, found some sense in Su Wenyue’s words and reluctantly shut her mouth. Being a farmer’s wife from the countryside, she was utterly clueless about the affairs of officialdom. If what the Fourth Daughter-in-law said was true, then indeed they could not sell the person off. At most, they would need to be more frugal on a daily basis, but they absolutely must not let it negatively impact their son’s career.

As the Old lady left, Su Wenyue’s expression immediately darkened, wanting to vent, but she held back her anger when she looked at Grandma Chen and the others nearby.

Grandma Chen and Aunt Li actually wished Su Wenyue would vent a little to avoid harming herself by holding it in.

“Madam, please take heart. The Old lady, after all, comes from a humble background and has a narrower perspective. Some things are inevitably not well-considered by her. Don’t be angry to the point of harming your health, it’s not good for the child in your stomach,” they consoled her.

Su Wenyue was aware of this truth, and even though she was angry, it was still within a manageable limit. It was also because of Mrs. Yang’s words which let Grandma Chen and Aunt Li understand her stance. The Servants’ loyalty also needed to be upheld. Although they had signed a Death Contract, which allowed her to deal with them as she pleased, the difference between working diligently and carelessly still existed. Furthermore, the people her mother sent were all excellent, and she didn’t want to dishearten them.

“I don’t have much of an issue, but don’t take my Mother-in-law’s words to heart. My mother sent you all here because you are capable. Conditions here may not be as good as in the Su Mansion, but once you’re here, we’re all family. As long as you work earnestly and remain loyal to me, I won’t let you end up without a future.”

The Servants were grateful that the Madam considered their feelings. Despite their initial dissatisfaction with the Old lady, they didn’t mind so much now because they served the Madam, who wouldn’t mistreat them or sell them off. Life at the Han family might not match that at the Su Family, but it was much more relaxed, almost like one big family, without so many strict rules. As long as they did their jobs well, they didn’t need to worry about anything else.

“We know the master is kind-hearted, and we haven’t taken the Old lady’s words to heart. Madam, don’t overthink it either. A Pregnant Woman should avoid too much worry, just as the doctor has advised,” they reassured her.

When Han Yu returned, Mrs. Yang bombarded him with numerous questions. Han Yu felt rather perplexed, still answering patiently. However, even if he explained the intricacies of officialdom, his mother wouldn’t understand. Why had she suddenly begun asking these questions? Han Yu guessed it must have something to do with something his daughter-in-law had said.

After Han Yu had left, Mrs. Yang murmured to Old Man Han, “The Fourth Daughter-in-law didn’t deceive me this time. Those affairs of officialdom are indeed too complicated. It’s fortunate that the Fourth child can handle them.”

Mrs. Yang began with a sigh of relief but gradually became somewhat proud, thinking her son truly had Ability. Otherwise, how could he manage so many matters? Old Man Han shook his head at his wife’s attitude: “You, always overthinking. When has the Fourth Daughter-in-law ever deceived you? If you don’t understand these matters, best not meddle. Besides, Our family has split the household. It’s inappropriate for you to be too involved.”

“How is it inappropriate? Even if the household is split, Yuer is still my son. His daughter-in-law doesn’t know how to manage the home, so what’s wrong with looking out for my son’s interests?” Mrs. Yang retorted, not convinced.

Seeing his wife so adamant, Old Man Han sighed and went on to smoke his pipe.

Because of Mrs. Yang’s poor mood, everyone serving around Su Wenyue was treading lightly. Han Yu immediately noticed that the atmosphere was a bit off upon entering, especially seeing his daughter-in-law’s serious expression, and considering the questions his mother had asked earlier, he already had an idea. Dealing with this kind of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law issue, even Han Yu found it quite troublesome.

“Daughter-in-law, what’s wrong? You look unhappy. Did Mother do something to upset you?” Han Yu didn’t avoid the topic but addressed it head-on. His daughter-in-law wasn’t a petty person. It was best to discuss the issue openly; otherwise, bottling it up would only make her more miserable.

Su Wenyue, unable to vent her frustration on others, had been waiting for Han Yu to come back. Seeing that he had asked, she didn’t explain the reasons but instead clenched her fist and punched Han Yu, expressing her pent-up frustration.

For the Daughter-in-law, this slight force was not enough even to tickle him, but seeing that she had vented enough, Han Yu then firmly held his daughter-in-law in his arms to prevent her from moving too much. She was pregnant, and while venting was fine, he was worried about the child if the movements were too rough.

“Alright, now that you’ve vented, can you tell me why you’re unhappy?”

Su Wenyue glanced at Han Yu, and this time she recounted the day’s events, emphasizing her dissatisfaction with her Mother-in-law’s interference in home affairs.

“What is your mother thinking! To actually suggest that I send people back, has she considered my position at all? How would others see me, how would my mother’s family view me? Am I so unimportant in her eyes that she needn’t consider my feelings? And as for the numerous Servants at home, they were your idea, and now look what’s happened!” Su Wenyue grew increasingly angry and felt wronged.

“It’s my fault, don’t be angry. I will clear things up with Mother tomorrow. You just focus on taking care of yourself. Your stomach is getting bigger and it’s naturally tougher for you, so don’t make yourself suffer over these issues. Talk to me about anything that bothers you; getting upset is not worth it,” Han Yu spoke softly and soothingly, comforting his agitated daughter-in-law, while thinking about how best to talk to his mother the next day to avoid worsening the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Only with Han Yu’s assurance did Su Wenyue feel somewhat satisfied. She rubbed her stomach, which was now feeling hungry, and had the Servants bring in some supper to eat with Han Yu. Since her morning sickness had passed, her appetite had become quite hearty and was ever-increasing, perhaps because the two children in her stomach were absorbing nutrients.

Whatever Han Yu said to Mrs. Yang, the next day Su Wenyue observed some displeasure in Mrs. Yang towards her, who nonetheless did not come over to bother her with nonsensical talk. The kitchen affairs persisted, but Su Wenyue let it go. After all, they were not going to live here for good. Mrs. Yang had mentioned before that they were to stay for just a few days and then return home, so Su Wenyue thought it better to endure for a bit rather than making things too ugly.

“Madam, Aunt Feng came over. She said you love the pickled Sister she makes, so she especially brought two jars for you, enough to last a good while,” Su Wenyue’s treatment of the Servants had made them particularly hospitable and courteous to Feng Susu, leading them to usher her straight in.

“Aunt Feng is here, let her in quickly,” Su Wenyue said cheerfully upon hearing of Feng Susu’s arrival, glad that her efforts to foster a close relationship had paid off.

“Who is this Aunt Feng?” Mrs. Yang eyed Feng Susu being led in by the Servants and muttered softly, curious.