Chapter 278: 286: Such a Good Nature

Su Wenyue smiled and couldn’t help but see through Pei Yuhan’s intentions. Pei Yuhan truly harbored malicious plans, not only stirring up trouble between the sisters Lan Xin and Lan Fang and their Queen Mother but also scheming against her. In an effort to destroy the affection between her and her eldest aunt, the implication of her words was that while she treated her concubine’s daughters well, she was neglectful of her own aunt.

Mrs. Pei was not a petty woman. Upon hearing Pei Yuhan’s words, she did not show displeasure. However, to say that she didn’t care at all would be inaccurate; there was definitely a knot in her heart about it.

Seeing that her aunt didn’t react strongly to her words, Pei Yuhan continued, “Aunt, there’s more I need to say, and I hope you won’t take it the wrong way. Everyone thinks that Cousin Su is kind to her cousins from the field, but those not in the know might think it’s because the aunt neglects the concubine’s daughters, thus necessitating Cousin Su to think ahead for both cousins. How else could both cousins undergo such a transformation after a stay in the Han Family’s abode?”

Only upon hearing Pei Yuhan’s words did Mrs. Pei’s face grow dark, whether from feeling that Pei Yuhan should not have spoken thus or actually taking Pei Yuhan’s words to heart; either way, her expression was not good.

Both Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang felt their hearts sink. After some time apart, Pei Yuhan had become even more malicious, casting such hurtful words without remorse. Previously, she plotted against them in secret, but now she openly sought to cause them harm. The sisters bore no grudge against Pei Yuhan; even when she used to belittle them, they just bore it. They couldn’t fathom why Pei Yuhan would act this way. What good could possibly come of it?!

Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang were eager to rebut a few sentences. It wasn’t a big deal if the Queen Mother blamed them, but they couldn’t let this misunderstanding cause a rift between the Queen Mother and their cousin. That would truly be their fault. However, with the words on the tip of their tongues, they didn’t know how to counter Pei Yuhan’s accusations. If they voiced their defense, it wouldn’t carry any persuasive power. Additionally, they feared that doing so might further displease the Queen Mother.

Su Wenyue sneered disdainfully and glanced at Pei Yuhan before turning to Mrs. Pei, “Eldest Aunt, do you also believe what Cousin Yuhan said and think that such were my intentions? Originally, I had no sisters of my own, so when I saw how sensible and obedient my two cousins were, I naturally favored them a bit. Just as Eldest Aunt said, even though our Second House is now separate, the affection between our families has not changed. My cousins are the daughters of my Eldest Uncle, and they should call you ‘Mother.’ With this in mind, isn’t it better for sisters to be close and warm with each other? I never expected Cousin Yuhan to say such things. If this is how it’s going to be, I dare not interact with my cousins anymore in the future. It doesn’t matter if Eldest Aunt misunderstands me, as long as my cousins are not affected by my trivial thoughts and cause a rift between you and them.”

Being experienced in the ways of the world as the Marquis Mansion’s Mistress, Mrs. Pei wasn’t blind to Pei Yuhan’s roundabout schemes; it’s just that everyone has their own self-interests, and some dissatisfaction is inevitable. What was more troublesome was that her niece from her mother’s family was growing more presumptuous. They were, after all, staying as guests in the Su Mansion, and stirring up trouble in public was improper. If her second brother and his wife learned of it, what would they think? Although the mother-in-law rarely made her presence felt or managed household matters, her perception was keen. If she were to find out, she might blame Mrs. Pei, for Pei Yuhan was her niece, and failing to discipline her would be seen as a failing on her part.

“Lady Yue, Yuhan is young and naive and has been raised by a stepmother, so her temperament is inevitably skewed and she tends to be extreme in her thinking. Don’t stoop to her level. I will make sure to discipline her,” said Mrs. Pei. It would be problematic if this issue caused a split with the people from the Second House. Not to mention Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, even her Husband and son would be upset. The Su brothers had always been close; her Husband and son were particularly fond of the Second House’s only legitimate Daughter, and they were rather indifferent to their niece. Perhaps this also had to do with their respective natures, but if they learned of this, they would likely be even less pleased with Yuhan. Mrs. Pei had been somewhat disappointed with Yuhan’s behavior lately, but what could she do about her own niece?

Hearing Mrs. Pei speak thus, Pei Yuhan felt rebellious and wanted to retort, but a stern glance from Mrs. Pei silenced her, and she dared not make another fuss.

Su Wenyue, of course, witnessed this exchange. Pei Yuhan was clearly looking to cause trouble again. If she let her off lightly this time, it might embolden her to push boundaries even further in the future. She said, “Eldest Aunt, it’s not that I want to hold onto grievance against Cousin Yuhan. As you know, I am not one to harbor petty grudges, but Cousin Yuhan’s comments were indeed too thoughtless. I can sympathize with some of Cousin Yuhan’s experiences, but I cannot agree with her actions. The implications and motives behind her words could even be described as malicious. She keeps calling us ‘cousins,’ but does she truly see us as her sisters?”

Mrs. Pei originally wanted to gloss over the matter, as it wasn’t a major issue. Yet with Su Wenyue being so straightforward and putting everything out in the open, it put her in a difficult position. However, she did not feel any resentment towards Su Wenyue; after all, her niece had been coddled by her second brother and his wife, unacquainted with the backstabbing of the backyard. It made sense that she had a simpler nature. If she were more cunning, Mrs. Pei wouldn’t have liked her at all. The older and more seasoned she became, the more she appreciated simplicity.

“Lady Yue, it’s your cousin who is at fault. But her intentions might not necessarily be so ill, only she doesn’t know the gravity of her words. I’ll have your cousin apologize to you. Don’t be harsh with her, and if she reoffends, I certainly will not let her off easily,” she said.

Now that Mrs. Pei had spoken, Su Wenyue felt it inappropriate to remain unforgiving, or she might seem ungracious. She nodded, “I’ll heed your words, Aunt. However, Cousin Yuhan ought to be more careful in the future. Not everyone is as forgiving as me, willing to let things go after a few apologetic words.”

“Aunt, I…” Pei Yuhan, hearing that she was actually supposed to apologize to Su Wenyue, was reluctant to swallow her pride. Moreover, Su Wenyue’s words clearly showed her smugness for having gained an advantage and seemed to be schooling her. Even if she was not particularly successful, she was still the Governor’s Legitimate Daughter; how could she apologize to the daughter of a Merchant?

“Yuhan, how have I taught you? If you’ve done something wrong, you have to admit it. You’ve misunderstood your own cousin, and it’s only right for you to apologize. Otherwise, you needn’t consider me your Aunt anymore!” Mrs. Pei’s tone was certainly stern, reflecting her attitude towards Pei Yuhan’s behavior.

Upon hearing Mrs. Pei’s words, Su Wenyue’s eyebrows rose, and she looked on leisurely, expecting Pei Yuhan’s apology. Both Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang, watching from the side as their stepmother pressured Pei Yuhan to apologize, felt a sense of satisfaction. After all, it was their cousin who managed to turn the tables with just a few words.