Chapter 289: 297: Hidden Thoughts

“Little sister, don’t overthink it, children are a gift from heaven, and you shall eventually have a son,” Mrs. Liu Jin comforted her sister-in-law. She herself coveted the good fortune of Han Yu’s wife, who was born with a blessed fate, incomparable to the daughters of peasant families like theirs.

“Hopefully,” said Mrs. Liu. “What mother-in-law said isn’t without reason; it is said that the two daughters-in-law of the county magistrate’s wife got pregnant from touching the stomach of Fourth Daughter-in-law. When I go back, I should get close to Fourth Daughter-in-law; who knows, perhaps I really could get pregnant.” Although Mrs. Liu thought the idea that a mere touch could lead to pregnancy was too miraculous, deep down, she believed it, or rather she was willing to believe anything that offered her a glimmer of hope for birthing a son. It had almost become an obsession for her.

“Really?! Such great fortune that Han Yu’s wife has. You should take this opportunity to get closer to Brother Yu’s wife. If she’s willing, hold her two sons more often; the more fortune you touch, the more likely you are to get pregnant with a son,” Mrs. Yang suggested.

The idea of touching for good luck was not unique to Mrs. Yang; many places had similar beliefs. Mrs. Jin too hoped that her sister-in-law would soon conceive a son, for that would secure her position in the Han Family. Although she had already given birth to two daughters, she did not look down on girls. It’s just that daughters are eventually married off, while a son could provide for one’s old age. With her sister-in-law’s age not getting any younger, it would become difficult to have any more children if time continued to pass.

When Su Wenyue arrived at the old house, she saw that it was bustling with noise and excitement, with adults and children all gathered around watching something, and they all ran over to surround them upon their arrival.

“Mother, they’re slaughtering the New Year’s Pig, aren’t they?” Han Yu quickly understood what was happening and asked with a smile, delighted by the lively scene.

“Indeed, the boss and his wife said we should celebrate your return properly, so they slaughtered the New Year’s Pig ahead of time. Your Sister-in-law, it’s rare for her to be so understanding,” Mrs. Yang said, her words betraying a hint of dissatisfaction towards Mrs. Liu. After all, living with her daughter-in-law in close quarters was bound to lead to conflicts, especially since Mrs. Liu had such a personality. In front of her son, Mrs. Yang did not hide her feelings, ultimately because Mrs. Liu had not borne a son for Han Hu.

Han Yu was all too aware of the situation between his mother and Sister-in-law. Given their temperaments, the fact that they could get along so peacefully was already commendable, and perhaps it was even thanks to his wife’s influence. He knew that his wife sent things to his parents’ house every month, doing far better than he did as a son. Sister-in-law’s current agreeability was probably due to this reason, as after all, his parents were taken care of by the main house, which also benefited greatly from it.

Although Han Yu was not a gossip, he would never speak ill of his Sister-in-law. With the rare opportunity to speak with his mother during his visit, he also offered some advice, “Mother, Sister-in-law has it tough too. Although she might be a bit too blunt at times, she’s always wholeheartedly looking after the family, treating my big brother and the children well, and is quite filial towards you and dad. You shouldn’t be too critical of her.”

“It’s not that I’m critical. It’s just your Sister-in-law hasn’t lived up to expectations, having never given our old Han Family a male heir over the years, just daughters, who are of what use? They can’t carry on the family line for the boss. If she were like your wife, even with all her faults, I would endure them. Whoever gives our old Han Family a son is the hero of our family. Speaking of filial piety, your wife has no match compared to her.

Your wife might seem delicate, but coming from a wealthy family, she is unlike the daughters of peasant families who are raised rough. It’s normal for her to be a bit delicate, and she can’t help being fortunate, born into a life of luxury. After getting married, not only did she bring wealth to her husband’s family, but she also gave birth to three children at once, two dragons and one phoenix, an excellent omen. Not to mention, she’s the most filial person. Even though she lives outside, she never forgets to honor us during the New Year, and every month, she never fails to send us things without missing a beat. There’s no comparison with your Sister-in-law, who keeps any good things for herself and never shares with us old folks.”

Once Mrs. Yang started speaking, she couldn’t stop, especially after not seeing her youngest son for so long. She had so much to tell him, and she couldn’t have been more satisfied with her daughter-in-law, seeming to forget all past grievances, speaking only of her daughter-in-law’s virtues, highlighting the notion that distant fragrance is preferable to a stench up close.

Han Yu knew all too well about the past conflicts between his mother and his wife. Seeing his mother now, he found it somewhat amusing, and he felt grateful. Considering what his mother had done in the past, she was far from blameless, but his wife never harbored any grudge. Instead, she had been doubly good to the elderly couple, which clearly showed her magnanimity, most likely all for his sake.

Han Yu did not comment further on Mrs. Yang’s words and changed the subject, “Mother, my wife has settled the three children. I’ll go see if there’s anything I can help with.”

“Right, right, go take a look. When kids are so small, everything needs careful attention; we can’t have any oversights. I’ll go with you. I haven’t yet seen the three little guys. Considering yours and Lady Yue’s looks, these three children must be quite handsome,” said Mrs. Yang, who had been eagerly awaiting the chance to see her grandsons. As soon as she brought up the topic, she could hardly wait and promptly followed her son, eager to lay eyes on them.

At that moment, Su Wenyue, along with the nanny and the three children, had temporarily settled down in the room they used to live in. Although it had been a while since they had stayed there, the mother-in-law and Sister-in-law had kept the room tidy and clean, with bedding and covers all new, which she had asked someone to send back. Probably the mother-in-law had not had the heart to use them until now, taking them out for this occasion. Knowing that they were coming back today, two large braziers had been lit in the room, burning brightly and making the room warm and cozy, to Su Wenyue’s comfort.

“My dear grandsons, Grandma has come to see you; I’ve been looking forward to this.”

Just as Su Wenyue was thinking, a loud and excited voice from outside announced the grandmother’s arrival. Su Wenyue, worried that the sudden noise might startle the children, touched their foreheads to calm them.

“My little treasures, don’t be frightened, it’s just your grandma coming to see you. Be good; grandma loves you the most.”

“Mother, this is your first time seeing the kids. This is the eldest, Brother Xing,” said Han Yu.

Brother Xing, being the bravest, was picked up by Su Wenyue and placed in Mrs. Yang’s arms. Aside from this, Su Wenyue had always harbored a secret belief that Brother Xing would not be afraid of Mrs. Yang.

Mrs. Yang, however, was startled by Su Wenyue’s action; she never expected Su Wenyue to suddenly place the eldest grandson in her arms. She wouldn’t have been so taken aback if it had been any other family’s child, as she wasn’t inexperienced in handling children. But the little boy in her arms was so remarkably delicate and charming, dressed like the Fuwa from New Year’s pictures.