Chapter 241 - 250: Applauding and cheering

Several servant girls were helping an old lady with graying hair to come over. Another old lady was following by her side, which was really a combination of relying on one’s old age to assert oneself. It was said that there was another old lady in the Li Mansion, who was Li Bonian’s birth mother. Presumably, she was the one being assisted by the group of servant girls, and she seemed to have quite a presence.

“Mother, you have come!” Upon seeing the old lady arrive, Madam Li hurriedly went forward to welcome her and personally helped the old lady over, which directly confirmed the old lady’s identity.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you, daughter-in-law of Brother Nian, today is your birthday, and I originally didn’t want to say anything. But look at whom you have invited, utterly lacking in propriety. What sort of things are being said? It’s simply vulgar and unbearable.” As soon as the old lady opened her mouth, it was all criticism and dissatisfaction towards Su Wenyue, which showed how deep her prejudice against Su Wenyue was.

“Mother, she is the wife of Lieutenant Han.” Madam Li didn’t directly answer the old lady’s criticism but instead identified Su Wenyue’s status. She knew very well that the old lady was also in the know; otherwise, she wouldn’t have appeared here. Surely there was some intention behind it. Perhaps her husband and the old lady talked about something, or the old lady heard something from someone else, and she, this daughter-in-law, had not that much face value.

“Lieutenant Han? Is he that country bumpkin who came from the countryside and managed to secure his current position by courting favor with his superiors through crafty dealings?” The old lady’s words were much more venomous than those of Madam Li, and, as they were spoken by an elderly individual, no one could really reproach her for it, otherwise, the saying ‘relying on old age to assert oneself’ would not exist.

“This old lady, what are you saying? Our Uncle…” Xiao Xi, having heard such words, couldn’t stand it and was about to retort but was stopped by Su Wenyue.

“Xiao Xi, shut up. Who are you to question an old lady? Just listen to what she wants to say. After all, it’s normal for someone of her advanced age to speak harshly. Why should we, the younger ones, bother to take issue with her?” Su Wenyue, upon hearing Grandma Li’s words, did not even change her expression and still wore a smile on her face. She spoke lightly, but her words angered Grandma Li tremendously.

Everyone caught the meaning in Su Wenyue’s words; it was obvious that she was saying Grandma Li was relying on her age to assert herself. Earlier, because of the verbal exchange with Su Wenyue, Madam Li was feeling quite uncomfortable, especially since Su Wenyue had managed to choke her twice with retorts. But after hearing Su Wenyue’s words, she felt much more exhilarated and started to view Su Wenyue in a less unfavorable light. Had it not been for the falling out between Lord Han and her husband, she would have wanted to learn a few tricks from Mrs. Su on how to deal with the old lady. It was known how detestable the old lady could be on a daily basis, constantly tormenting her as the daughter-in-law and sowing discord between her and her husband.

“Humph, Madam Han, could it be that my words are wrong? Lord Han is indeed of humble origin, and no matter how high he climbs, he can’t cover up this fact. Moreover, there’s a saying that the higher you climb, the harder you fall, which is very fitting to send to Lord Han.”

The old lady didn’t come out at the beckoning of her son; after all, Li Bonian did not have to deal with a woman and child, but Madam Li knew Han Yu often opposed her son in the military camp. Knowing that Han Yu’s wife had arrived, she specifically came out intending to embarrass Su Wenyue on behalf of her son.

“Heroes do not ask about origins. Even if he is of humble origin, what of it? My Husband has still reached his current position by his own efforts, which is far stronger than those who have no real ability and only engage in petty maneuvers behind one’s back. It’s not the background that matters, but the character. However, the old lady might not understand this, after all, ‘wise men see wisdom and the benevolent see benevolence.’” Su Wenyue’s words reached this point; it was almost as if she was saying the old lady was short-sighted and narrow-minded.

“Madam Han, do not go too far. Remember where you are behaving wildly, this is the Li Mansion!” Grandma Li, unable to out-talk Su Wenyue and blushing with rage, could only play tough. Sadly for her, Su Wenyue was not intimidated.

“So what if it is! I am a guest invited by Madam Li. Could it be that Grandma Li intends to do something to me in broad daylight? Such a scandalous act against the law, surely Grandma Li would not engage in such foolishness, right?” Su Wenyue spoke with confidence while Xiao Xi and Ah Qing subtly shifted their positions to protect Su Wenyue from the inside, without causing a scene.

“Of course not, Humph!” Not knowing how to step down without losing face, and not daring to target Su Wenyue directly, Grandma Li could only snort coldly.

“If you ask me, Madam Han is quite ignorant of the rules. Lord Han has gone to suppress the bandits, and it’s still unknown whether he will return or not. I advise you not to be so arrogant, otherwise you won’t have a good ending,” said the old lady by Grandma Li’s side, who was her sister, after seeing her older sister infuriated by such a young daughter-in-law, felt the need to stick up for her.

“Oh, and who might you be, old lady? You have the gall to criticize our lady, and you’re daring enough to curse an Imperial Court official and insult an Official’s Family. Speaking of which, that’s a crime in itself. Our Master is risking his life fighting bandits for the Imperial Court, protecting the safety of the commoners. Old lady, did a dog eat your conscience to say such words?”

Some things Su Wenyue couldn’t say herself, and for someone of insufficient status like Grandma Li’s sister, merely a commoner, it fell to Xiao Xi to say them. Xiao Xi’s tongue was naturally sharp, as her eloquence had been honed early on, and being just a maid, she didn’t need to mince her words. Her words, more harsh and cutting than a blade, were flung at the old lady.

“Don’t scare me. How could a few words be against the law!” The old lady was fearless in most things, but when the maid spoke so convincingly of her crime, she became somewhat unsettled.

Su Wenyue sneered coldly, “All present here are Wives of Officials with discernment. Could my maid possibly slander you in front of so many people? This time I will not take issue with you, but I also hope that you, old lady, will watch your words and actions. At your advanced age, you might not withstand punishment.”

“You, you…”

“Enough, you were the one at fault here. Lord Han is serving the Imperial Court and showing loyalty to the court. Since Madam Han has decided not to take issue with you, you’d best hold your tongue too.” Grandma Li knew this time it was her sister who was in the wrong. If Su Wenyue really decided to make a fuss, it would be a hassle; she could only hold back for the time being. Even though she clearly knew what Han Yu’s bandit suppression mission was all about, such private matters couldn’t be discussed openly. This was why she had refrained from mentioning it just now. Her sister, on the other hand, was impulsive and let slip in an unguarded moment.

Su Wenyue hooked her lips slightly, “Grandma Li is indeed more reasonable.”

“Tsk tsk, what eloquence, Madam Han. I do admire you! Truly!” While everyone’s attention was on Grandma Li and Su Wenyue, a man had walked in unexpectedly, clapping his hands in appreciation.

Li Bonian originally planned to make a brief appearance. Hearing Su Wenyue ‘battling it out’, he stayed hidden, listening in until he felt it was the right moment to come out, holding a folding fan in his hand and embodying an air of cultured grace.