Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 605: Chapter 611

Su Wenyue was aware of Mrs. Shao’s status and had initially intended to foster good relations. Although Han Yu was formidable, they were currently seeking refuge in Peicheng. They did not fear anything, but it seemed wise to remain humble and keep a low profile.

Reality, however, often proved disappointing. From the moment she entered the City Lord Mansion, Su Wenyue noticed Mrs. Shao’s malice towards her, and the thought of befriending her dissipated. Su Wenyue was willing to extend friendship but not at the cost of debasing herself. She hadn’t expected Mrs. Shao to be so inconsiderate, speaking such words in public, clearly intending to embarrass her. Such behavior was unsuitable, especially considering Mrs. Shao’s position as the Second Young Lady of the City Lord Mansion.

The people present first directed their gazes at Mrs. Shao and then turned to the other protagonist of the incident, Su Wenyue, who had been insulted. Many held an attitude of schadenfreude, eager to see how Su Wenyue would respond.

Su Wenyue’s response surprised everyone. She didn’t react with the expected shame or anger, but covered her mouth and chuckled, “The Second Young Lady really understands me, hehe. I must admit, it’s embarrassing, but I just can’t stand those shameless vixens clinging to my Husband. In this respect, I am truly not a good woman. Fortunately, my Husband is good to me, spoiling and indulging me, claiming he’s devoted only to me and doesn’t want other women to come between us. Otherwise, as a woman of the inner house, completely dependent on my Husband, what could I do if he truly wanted other women? Even if I made a fuss, it would be useless. What virtues or abilities do I have to deserve such a wonderful Husband? I am content with my life.”

Su Wenyue’s words seemed to be uttered with deep emotion. She even used a handkerchief to dab at the tears of gratitude in the corners of her eyes. Indeed, her words came from the heart, at least for the most part. She was less inclined to express such sentiments in Han Yu’s presence.

No one expected Su Wenyue to speak so frankly. In an era that imposed strict requirements on women and celebrated virtues, jealousy was deemed highly undesirable, attracting disdain from the Husband’s Family and gossip from others. Yet, Su Wenyue had openly shared her feelings, a move that was bold, unrestrained, and at the same time, admirable and enviable.

Most of the attendees were Madams and Misses. A Flower Viewing Banquet was no place for Concubines. As legal wives, who wouldn’t want to monopolize their men as Su Wenyue did? Unfortunately, such behavior was not permitted. They suffered in silence, and for the sake of Heirs, some even had to willingly accept additional Concubines for their Husbands, enduring those enchantresses seducing their Husbands and causing trouble in the backyard. It was truly unbearable.

After Su Wenyue’s speech, the majority, who had initially thought her conduct improper and had been scornful and critical, soon changed their stance. While these ladies ostensibly exhibited virtuous conduct, it was often just a facade. Few genuinely felt that way; it was usually a reluctant necessity. Su Wenyue’s words struck a chord with their own sentiments.

“Madam Han is truly straightforward. I admire your candor. These thoughts, we dare only think to ourselves, not speak aloud. Today, though, you’ve given us all a thrill,” said Madam Xu with a laugh, her voice clear and hearty. She had been silent until now, not caring for the hypocrisy among the so-called Madams. She was the first to vocalize support for Su Wenyue. Although others might share her sentiments, only she dared to be so brazen.

Indeed, while such thoughts reflected their feelings, they went against the era’s expectations for women and did not reflect well on them. Furthermore, the one attacking Su Wenyue was the Second Young Lady of the City Lord Mansion, an entity most of the present Madams wouldn’t dare to offend. Known for her domineering and vengeful nature, Mrs. Shao would bear a grudge against anyone who opposed her.

It’s worth noting Madam Xu’s own status. Madam Xu’s standing in Peicheng was also significant; although not as prestigious as the City Lord Mansion, both her Husband’s Family and mother’s family were formidable, holding a high status in Peicheng as top-rank families. With such support, even the City Lord’s wife was somewhat wary of Madam Xu. Moreover, her Husband was very fond of her, her own backyard had only one token Concubine, practically just for show. Her statement came with considerable confidence.

Su Wenyue was naturally aware of Madam Xu’s status, and she was an important person Su Wenyue sought to befriend. However, Madam Xu had been indifferent and not particularly sociable, treating not just her, but everyone similarly. Su Wenyue didn’t expect her words to gain Madam Xu’s favor, openly supporting her without concern for possibly offending Mrs. Shao.

Given Madam Xu’s show of friendly intentions, Su Wenyue smoothly played along, “It’s good if Madam Xu doesn’t ridicule me. I am just too straightforward, preferring to speak my mind rather than hide my feelings. It may not matter what others think, but perhaps after today, my reputation for jealousy will spread even more, with people cursing ‘jealous wife’ whenever my name comes up. Yet I’m unwilling to change. Life is both long and short, who knows what the future holds? I just want to live freely!”

Although her response was to Madam Xu, Su Wenyue had other intentions. She did not truly take her reputation lightly. Having experienced the consequences in her previous life, she once valued her reputation highly until Han Yu enlightened her, enabling her to let it go somewhat. Yet she still cared about it to some extent. Today’s boldness was born out of necessity, with her reputation already suffering, at least in this regard. She could afford a reputation for jealousy if it served her purpose, but she didn’t want to spoil her name entirely nor attract more enmity. Her subsequent words, therefore, won her more approval, convincing people that Su Wenyue wasn’t arrogant but merely candid.

“Madam Han’s words are spot-on. Why bother with so many concerns, suffocating ourselves? Better to live freely! Besides, all of us here are respectful ladies of various Families, not slanderous gossips. If anyone dares to defame and tarnish Madam Han’s reputation, I’ll be the first to object!” Madam Xu’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Su Wenyue, finding her extremely agreeable. Su Wenyue seemed to very much reflect her own thoughts, and despite their recent acquaintance, Madam Xu already considered Su Wenyue a close friend.

As a result, even Mrs. Shao, who had initially targeted Su Wenyue, felt a range of emotions and no longer harbored the same hostility towards her. After all, only a small part of her antagonism stemmed from a genuine dislike for Su Wenyue.@@novelbin@@

However, although Mrs. Shao seemed inclined to keep the peace, Su Wenyue was not ready to let things slide. Naturally, one had to retaliate when one’s face had been slapped.