Chapter 454: 461: Tremendous Pressure

Qi Luo obeyed Su Wenyue’s orders and had been stealthily protecting the three little guys. Seeing Brother Xing educating his younger siblings, with the children becoming more sensible, she nodded repeatedly. It’s good for the young master and miss to endure hardships and experience more of life. It was fortunate that the master and madam were willing to let the children face difficulties; otherwise, those parents who know nothing but to indulge and spoil their children do them no favors.

That evening, Su Wenyue noticed that the two little ones had become much more sensible and obedient. Brother Xing had always been sensible, but not these two younger ones. After all, they were just children and still young, so some spoilt and mischievous behavior was inevitable. Yet that night, they were extremely well-behaved, even volunteering to help her with work without complaints of fatigue, which truly impressed Su Wenyue. However, children being sensible and obedient was always welcome to her.

After meeting with Qi Luo and hearing the whole story, Su Wenyue nodded in agreement, even more resolved to educate her children in this way in the future. She felt a pang of pity for the child who was overly sensible and even some details reminded her of things from her previous life.

Back then, Han Yu was away from home serving as a soldier, and they had divided their family. She knew all too well how difficult it was to not have a man in the house. Even though her relationship with Han Yu wasn’t good at that time, when he was home, she didn’t need to worry about anything. The third son and his wife also did not dare to take advantage of her easily, maybe just a little. But when Han Yu wasn’t around, everything was different, which eventually led to chaotic days and put her on a path of no return. Brother Xing had it even harder, despite being as sensible and obedient as Liu Cheng, he lacked a mother’s love and care.

Although it was all in the past life and had already happened, Su Wenyue couldn’t help but feel heartache whenever she thought about it. How could she have been so blind and treated her own son so badly?

“Brother Xing!” Su Wenyue held Brother Xing tightly in her embrace, her voice filled with unmistakable apologetic regret.

Seeing his mother in such a state, Brother Xing just buried himself in Su Wenyue’s arms, quietly letting her hold him, hiding his deep and inscrutable gaze. After a while, seeing that his mother seemed unable to break free from her guilt and regret, he lifted his head from her embrace.

“Mother, what’s wrong? Did something upsetting happen? Don’t be afraid, Brother Xing is here for you, so don’t worry,” Brother Xing said while gently patting his mother’s back, his gaze very tender. No matter what happened in the last life, the past is in the past. He now had the best mother and was living a happy life—that was enough for him.

Su Wenyue secretly wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes, touched Brother Xing’s head, and said, “Mother is fine. It’s just that I recalled some past mistakes, and I’m filled with regret. I couldn’t help but feel a bit melancholic. Brother Xing, don’t worry about me. As long as all of you siblings are doing well, whatever Mother does is worth it.”

“Mother, since it’s a matter of the past, let bygones be bygones. Regret won’t help, and if mistakes were made, we can try to make up for them later. Didn’t you teach me and my siblings to always look forward? Brother Xing hopes Mother will be happy and joyful,” Brother Xing said with his still young voice, but it was like a warm current flowing into Su Wenyue’s heart, temporarily washing away many thoughts.

“Alright, Mother will listen to Brother Xing. Let’s leave the past behind and look forward. Let’s live our lives happily as a family,” Su Wenyue said as she embraced the other two little ones as well, her body radiating contentment.

Seeing his mother finally come to terms, Brother Xing was also very happy and began to laugh. Brother Chen and Sister Yu, although they didn’t quite understand, saw their mother and elder brother smiling and joined in the laughter, filling the room with a warm and joyful atmosphere until a knock on the door signaled that dinner was ready outside.

“Come on, let’s go eat,” said Su Wenyue, hearing that dinner was ready, and led the three children to the main hall, where Mr. and Mrs. Su and the Liu Family members had already gathered.

Becoming casual and informal while traveling is one thing, but basic rules still apply: the master eats first, then the servants. Old Man Liu, seeing this, didn’t presume to sit at the same table with Mr. Su’s family and intended to dine with the servants.

Master Su, of course, couldn’t allow Old Man Liu and his family to sit with the servants. After all, Old Man Liu was the village leader and the host here. “Brother, you are the host; there’s no reason for you to sit with the servants. Please, bring your daughter-in-law and children to sit down,” he insisted.

“Yes, Uncle Liu, you should listen to my father, you can’t go wrong. Look, the children are hungry. Let’s not stand on ceremony any longer, and quickly eat. That’s what matters,” Su Wenyue also said with a smile, inviting Mrs. Liu Huang and her two children to take their seats.

Old Man Liu had intended to dine with the servants for comfort, but Master Su was adamant, so having no other choice, he sat down, albeit very stiffly, not daring to look around too much. Mrs. Liu Huang and the two children felt the same way, overwhelmed by sitting with such distinguished guests.

But who were Mr. and Mrs. Su? Since they had every intention of having the Liu Family at the table, they naturally eased the atmosphere. After Old Man Liu had a few cups of wine, he loosened up and started talking more, even occasionally addressing Master Su as a brother. Mrs. Liu Huang watched with worry at the side.

The father-in-law loved a drink and, when times at home were good, he enjoyed it occasionally. Now that life was hard and even a full meal was a struggle, wine was a rare luxury. Having had a few cups was quite normal, but it was crucial that he didn’t offend the noble guests.

Mrs. Liu watched attentively. Seeing that Master Su wasn’t bothered by Old Man Liu’s words, she finally relaxed and eased her mind.

Madam Su also kept insisting that Mrs. Liu Huang and her two children eat more. Especially Su Wenyue, after learning about the earlier episodes with the family, felt particularly affectionate towards Mrs. Liu Huang’s children. She kept serving them food, urging them to eat their fill without reserve.

The Liu Family members usually relied on scant rice grains to keep their bellies full, and a dry rice meal was rare, often just wild vegetable porridge with few rice grains. Now given the opportunity to enjoy such plentiful and fine food, prepared with the craftsmanship of chef Shu Qin, they felt it was comparable to a feast for the gods. They had never tasted anything so delicious in their lives. They started eating tentatively due to reservation and nervousness, but gradually, they picked up the pace, slowing down only when they felt stuffed and a little embarrassed by their lack of restraint, but still longing for more.

Still, Su Wenyue was worried they hadn’t eaten enough and asked with concern, “Sister-in-law, have you all had enough? Don’t be polite with us. There’s plenty more food in the kitchen; just eat your fill.”