Chapter 420: 427: The Demeanour of a Great Wife

Su Wenyue watched Yin Lihua’s composure, truly reflective of a woman raised in a big family. Such magnanimity wasn’t something ordinary people could match. If Han Yu had another woman outside, Su Wenyue couldn’t imagine what she would do. However, she would definitely not be courteous towards a woman coveting her husband. Take that so-called ‘concubine’ Han Yu had used as a decoy; after getting a beating from her and being put in her place, despite there being an element of performance, it served as a warning to other women eyeing Han Yu, letting them know what end awaited those who meddled with her man.

“I apologize for any amusement caused by this incident. It seems that Miss Chen might have misunderstood something, which led to her agitated state. If there was any impropriety, please forgive us. On behalf of everyone here, Lihua offers her apologies.”

Yin Lihua then gave Su Wenyue another lesson in what constitutes the ‘demeanor of a married woman,’ suggesting in her words that Chen Li was already being treated as Liu Xiu’s concubine, hence the need for her as the ‘Mistress’ to apologize, even though Liu Xiu had not explicitly expressed this intention. Such a virtuous woman, indeed Liu Xiu is truly fortunate.

Yin Lihua did not stoop to Chen Li’s level, and the onlookers mostly regarded the spectacle as just that—a spectacle, holding no real blame. They quickly reassured her, “Of course not, especially considering Miss Yin’s good grace, we would not stoop to argue with a merchant’s daughter. However, the audacity of that businesswoman is rather appalling. Just look at her earlier manner. Miss Yin shouldn’t be too lenient, lest those insolent hussies think they can get above themselves!”

“Yes, nowadays those vixens out there are getting increasingly brazen. We, as Mistresses, must not be too indulgent, or else they will become utterly unmanageable!” Those attending the banquet were all Mistresses, and they naturally sided with Yin Lihua. Seeing how amicable she was, even going out of her way to protect Chen Li, they began to offer their advice while feeling rather displeased.

However, Yin Lihua did not partake in the talk of dealing with the concubines, yet she couldn’t outright dismiss everyone’s sentiments. She simply stated, “Thank you all for your concern. It was my lapse. Sister Chen is sensible; she wouldn’t be so unaware of propriety. Today’s blow was hard, but she’ll surely come to understand. As for future issues, there’s no cause for worry. Every mansion has its own rules, as long as they’re not violated, all is well.”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Miss Yin speaks sensibly, indeed. Concubines are not to be taken too seriously. Established rules are there to keep them in line. If they err, they’ll be punished accordingly. If worse comes to worst, just sell them off to traders. There’s no need to waste too much energy on them!” The speaker was a finely dressed lady of high status, her confidence revealing her significant position in her household, suggesting that her authority was not to be contested.

Su Wenyue, listening to the ladies’ conversation, felt somewhat uncomfortable. In her previous life, she had also been a concubine and realized that in the eyes of these Mistresses, a concubine was merely an insignificant and lowly existence, not even worth comparing to an object. Yet she had been eager for such a position. Fortunately, fate gave her a second chance.

The Chen Li incident was a mere interlude in the banquet. Everyone chatted and laughed it off, swiftly moving on to other topics. The most discussed issue was whether the Imperial Court would truly send troops to attack Yiyang. Although the topic was sensitive, it was of concern to all. Compared to devising ways to deal with concubines, this was what they really wanted to learn about. Those with less informed households were hoping to glean some information from this banquet to prepare for what might come.

“Madam Han, do you think this news is true or false?” As the conversation progressed, someone turned to Su Wenyue, seeking insights. After all, only a few men present had the authority to know such sensitive information, and Han Yu was among them. And Su Wenyue, being young and less experienced, seemed an easier target for probing, yet any information she gave would likely be most reliable. Despite her youth, Su Wenyue was not one for idle gossip; moreover, her husband had the right to such information.

Su Wenyue glanced at the women and clearly understood this logic. While her husband’s colleagues’ wives ranked lower, she had no desire to offend anyone carelessly. Knowing each had their own place, she merely smiled faintly, “I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you all. I am just a woman who knows nothing of such matters, and my husband never discusses external affairs with me, claiming it’s not a woman’s concern. Therefore, I truly can’t discern whether this news is true or false.”

Although disappointed at not receiving the information they sought from Su Wenyue, the crowd found her humble demeanor quite comforting. In fact, they began to feel a bit embarrassed, considering Su Wenyue’s unique status. She wasn’t like Chen Li, whom they could slight freely. If she chose to take offense, they would have to endure the consequences.

Of course, there were those who couldn’t grasp the situation, refusing to believe Su Wenyue’s words: “Everyone knows that Master Han is extremely fond of his daughter-in-law. He wouldn’t bear to utter a harsh word to Madam. You must be jesting with us!”

Once Madam Zhang spoke up, the room fell silent for a moment. Everyone admired her audacity. It wasn’t just her who harbored such thoughts, as Master Han’s doting on his wife was well-known. But no one dared question Su Wenyue in that manner. If she complained to Master Han, their husbands would bear the brunt, so none voiced agreement with Madam Zhang’s remarks.

Seeing that this woman didn’t know her place, even daring to provoke her, Su Wenyue felt some displeasure, which showed on her face. A cold smile curled at the corner of her mouth as she looked at the woman with a look that was both smiling and not smiling, “I had no idea that Madam Zhang had planted a spy in my household. How else could you be so aware of our private affairs? However, the information you’ve obtained might not be so accurate. My husband does indeed treat me very well, but when it comes to external matters, he is a principled man and doesn’t want his wife meddling in them. Since we’ve come to this, I’ll also say, ‘Disasters stem from careless talk,’ so I would advise Madam Zhang to speak with caution. Do not inquire so carelessly about others’ affairs, as it would be unfortunate if you were mistaken for a spy.”

Being reprimanded by Su Wenyue left Madam Zhang visibly embarrassed. She approached Su Wenyue, thinking she’d be easy to speak with due to her youth and seeming amiability, which backfired. Seeing the other ladies who had joined her falling silent, she inwardly cursed her stupidity for sticking her neck out. Observing Su Wenyue’s slightly annoyed expression, she quickly sought forgiveness, “Madam Han, please forgive me. It was my fault. I hope you can be magnanimous and not stoop to the level of someone like me.”