Rebirth of a Farming Wife - Chapter 160

Chapter 160: Chapter 159: Can’t Set My Mind at Ease

Translator: 549690339

Su Wenyue repressed the emotions in her eyes. Upon being questioned by the General’s Lady, she didn’t intend to elaborate, merely stating, “I am indeed acquainted with Madam Zhou,” which left everyone with endless speculations. In the eyes of the General’s Lady, this was an acknowledgment of the words spoken by Madam Fang Chen. Her gaze towards Zhou Wang deepened.

Zhou Wang felt the scrutinizing gaze of the General’s Lady and panicked, “General’s Lady, please don’t believe the nonsense from Madam Fang Chen. She is just jealous of my good relationship with Lady Yue and is making up stories on purpose. Lady Yue, isn’t that right?”

Zhou Wang cast a pleading look at Su Wenyue, hoping she would help with the defense. As long as Su Wenyue helped her this time, she was willing to forgive and forget past disagreements. She would even allow Su Wenyue to curry favor with her. Zhou Wang’s confidence stemmed from her husband’s rank being one level higher than Su Wenyue’s, which she considered a matter of course.

Su Wenyue, however, seemed oblivious to Zhou Wang’s plea for help. She lowered her head and fiddled with the food on the table, feeling utterly speechless. This woman, Zhou Wang, was truly a piece of work. How could she be so confident that Su Wenyue would help her, when they were ‘enemies’? Was she out of her mind? Why would she help Zhou Wang, only to be trampled upon later? Only if her brain were damaged, would she assist her.

Seeing Su Wenyue’s reaction, Zhou Wang felt both furious and anxious. Pleading with the General’s Lady, she said, “My Lady, I truly did not deceive you. My relationship with Lady Yue used to be very good. I don’t know why she suddenly became like this. Maybe she is upset because she sees you treating me so well. Why has it come to this? We were such good sisters before. Why, why?” Zhou Wang, failing in her first tactic, resorted to playing the innocent victim, looking at Su Wenyue with a heartbroken expression as if Su Wenyue had wronged her in love. This put significant pressure on Su Wenyue, who also felt uncomfortable with Zhou Wang’s sudden change of style, as it sent chills down her spine.

Zhou Wang’s performance elicited various thoughts from those present. The wives of the civil officials, some of whom were on Zhou Wang’s side, looked at Su Wenyue with suspicion and curiosity. However, the majority remained doubtful. The wives of the military officials, known for their straightforward nature, largely sided with Su Wenyue, finding Zhou Wang’s pretentious distress to be affectation comparable to a vixen’s behavior, truly disgusting.

Su Wenyue, regardless of what others thought, continued to ignore Zhou Wang, letting her carry on with her monologue like a clown. Today was the County magistrate’s wife’s birthday, and the General’s Lady had come to offer birthday wishes, not to cause a scene. As Zhou Wang was brought by the General’s Lady, she couldn’t just let her continue with her endless sobbing.

The County magistrate’s wife concealed her disdain well but was extremely disgusted with Zhou Wang deep down. Nothing annoyed a legal wife more than women who acted like delicate flowers, experts at ensnaring men’s hearts. The two young ladies present didn’t feel a bit of pity for Zhou Wang’s pitiable sobbing at their grandmother’s birthday feast; rather, they considered it mood-dampening. The joyous atmosphere was disrupted, and their looks toward Zhou Wang were decidedly unfriendly.

“Enough! What is this display? Speak your concerns without weeping. Don’t you know what day it is today?” scolded the General’s Lady, her words carrying a significant weight. Zhou Wang’s heart sank with fear, and she instantly stopped her antics.

“Madam Xu, I am truly sorry. The younger generation just can’t handle things and start crying over the smallest issues. I hope I haven’t spoiled your mood,” the General’s Lady said to the County magistrate’s wife with an apologetic smile.

It wasn’t the General’s Lady’s fault, and the County magistrate’s wife bore no grudge against her.

“Not to worry, it’s just a trifle. But Zhou Wang’s weeping nature isn’t good. She isn’t some concubine or a lowly woman to be acting like this. It’s unbecoming and tarnishes the dignity and grace of a legal wife. Unacceptable!” Even though the County magistrate’s wife spoke discreetly, everyone understood her implied meaning, casting scornful glances at Zhou Wang.

The County magistrate’s wife had a point; a proper Legal Wife acting like a commoner out of turn, practically turning herself into a performer.

Su Wenyue, upon hearing the County magistrate’s wife’s words, couldn’t help but show a flicker of amusement in her eyes, feeling thankful to her for the support. She knew the County magistrate’s wife was backing her up. And truly, Su Wenyue disliked Zhou Wang’s behavior. Even in the past at the Mansion, she wouldn’t have taken such an approach to curry favor. Otherwise, she would have long been scorned.

“Today is mother’s birthday, let’s not dwell on unpleasantness. Today she should be cheerful. Daughter-in-law has invited a famous theater troupe from the city to contribute to mother’s enjoyment,” said Madam Xu in a bubbly tone.

Second Young Lady Han chimed in, “Yes, I heard they’ve just put on two new plays recently. It will be refreshing to watch something new.”

Everyone was eager to resume the festivities, and the banquet once again became lively. As for Madam Fang Chen and Zhou Wang, they were soon forgotten. Since Zhou Wang accompanied the General’s Lady, Madam Qin refrained from dealing with her, fearing it would offend the General’s Lady’s honor. As for Madam Fang Chen, she was discreetly ‘requested’ to leave. Such an irrelevant person need not be associated with anymore and was removed from the Mansion’s guest list.

Following the conclusion of the feast, Su Wenyue bid farewell and departed with the An Family, feeling utterly exhausted. Interacting with those ladies and misses was draining, and given Han Yu’s low rank, he couldn’t afford to offend anyone. Everyone had to be engaged with full energy, without a hint of slack. Being pregnant made Su Wenyue less energetic; after leaving the Mansion gates, she had Grandma Chen and Xiao Xi support her into the horse carriage.

Seeing her daughter’s pale face, An Shi grew even more worried.

“Yueyue, are you alright? Do you feel unwell anywhere? Your complexion looks really poor. Perhaps we shouldn’t go back today. We can stay in our House in the city. I’ll call Doctor Lin to check on you. Let’s rest for a night before we set out again. You’re not in a state to travel like this.”

Though the Su Family’s Mansion was in the countryside, Master Su preferred a quieter location. Nevertheless, they also owned property in the County Town, located not far from the County government, which served as a convenient resting place, avoiding the need for an Inn or rented accommodations in the city.

Su Wenyue knew her mother was right, thus nodded, “Mother, I’ll listen to you. Let’s stay in the city today. I don’t feel unwell, just tired. But having a doctor take a look is a good idea. I can relax knowing the child in my stomach is alright.”

Currently, everything Su Wenyue did was centered around the child in her womb. Han Yu had returned home early that day and was uneasy not seeing Su Wenyue return.