Rebirth of a Farming Wife - Chapter 552
Chapter 552: Chapter 558: Do Not Dare to Interfere
Su Wenyue’s subtle gaze held not only gratitude but also something indescribable. Su Hengjing couldn’t make sense of it, feeling that after years apart, his little cousin had changed a lot. The endearing and lovable little girl had grown into a beautiful, stunningly pretty eldest miss. However, looking at her figure and complexion, she seemed too frail, which was not good. Although such an appearance might invoke more pity from men, the daughters of the Su family were never the ones to rely solely on their looks to maintain their status! Should such a situation arise, the mother’s family wouldn’t be just for show. Even if it meant taking the girl back home, they wouldn’t let her be wronged. The Su family, fallen as it might be, would not mind supporting one more person, not to mention he didn’t see Han Yu as that kind of man. His willingness to give up significant matters to seek someone out for the sake of his cousin showed just how much he valued her.
“Cousin, why are you looking at me like that? You’re making me feel all jittery,” Su Wenyue joked, mostly in jest, but she did feel somewhat uncomfortable being watched. It wasn’t an issue of presence; after all, having been around Han Yu, whose aura and authority were daunting, Su Wenyue had grown accustomed to it. It was because of her inner conscience.
Since childhood, her cousin had been a role model for all their siblings. And because of the age difference and her father’s extreme fondness for her, her cousin was more like a father to them, stricter in his discipline compared to her big brother Su Hengyi who would occasionally let things slide or pretended to be strict. Her cousin was genuinely harsh, milder to her as the only legitimate sister, but still severe. She had respected and feared her stern cousin since she was young. Now, even though she had grown up, she couldn’t avoid being unnerved when he became serious.
Han Yu rarely saw his wife look so ‘helpless.’ It turned out that her nemesis wasn’t her parents nor the austere-looking eldest brother-in-law but the Crown Prince of Beian. Even though his wife had disguised it, he could still make out her nervousness.
“Aunt is right; you really should take care to nourish yourself. You’re too frail; it worries me just to look at you, like a gust of wind could blow you away. You used to be quite plump and healthy as a child, how did you let yourself become like this over the years!” Su Hengjing said with a furrowed brow, clearly very dissatisfied with this situation.
“You’re right, cousin, I will take good care of myself. I’ll get so plump and healthy that I’ll surely satisfy you,” Su Wenyue replied promptly.
Su Hengjing, however, was still not satisfied, especially seeing the insincere smile on Su Wenyue’s face. His gaze bore into her, “I’m serious, not joking with you. Don’t think I can’t tell you’re just placating me. Your body is your own, and the last thing I want to see is you not taking good care of it,” Su Hengjing reprimanded.
Su Wenyue felt a chill run down her spine. When her cousin got serious, he was every bit as uncompromising as Han Yu. If Han Yu lectured her, she could still play coy, at most finding it a bit nagging. But her cousin was not someone she could brush off; if he lectured you, you had to listen attentively, or the consequences would be severe!
Su Wenyue sneakily glanced around at the others, wondering if anyone would rescue her from this predicament. Unfortunately, everyone just stood there, watching, with no intention of saving her from the tough spot. Seeing her cousin scolding her, her parents seemed to feel she was not obedient enough but lacked the heart to discipline her. Now, someone else was sorting her out, and they seemed quite pleased with it. Her big brother and Han Yu were even more despicable, standing there in silence. Su Wenyue felt they were somewhat gloating over her misfortune.
Grinding her teeth inwardly, Su Wenyue hadn’t the courage to confront her big brother, but as for Han Yu, she resolved to deal with him once she got home. Despite his sweet words about cherishing his daughter-in-law, here he was, letting her cousin chastise her like nobody’s business, doing nothing to intervene, and even seemingly taking pleasure in it. Clearly, he needed teaching.
As Su Wenyue’s mind whirled, she outwardly stood obediently still, though her thoughts were anything but submissive.
Su Hengjing saw right through Su Wenyue with one look, “What’s wrong, not convinced, thinking about how to deal with me? Are you cussing me out in your mind, huh?”
“No, not at all! I know you’re doing this for my own good, cousin, how could I dare to do that? Don’t falsely accuse me. I’m not that kind of person, and if you don’t believe me, I’m willing to swear,” Su Wenyue raised her hand, ready to swear, her actions reminiscent of when she used to be punished for wrongdoing as a child.
Su Hengjing looked on, his heart softening a bit. Only now could he see a glimpse of his little cousin in her. But why was this girl still so naive as she got older, giving herself away with her actions?
“Nonsense! These past years I thought you had matured, yet you’re still the same as when you were a child, not shrewd at all. Vowing so recklessly—it seems your brother-in-law spoils you too much, letting you act this rashly.”
“Cousin, please just let it slide this one time for my foolish sake,” Su Wenyue pleaded with Su Hengjing, her eyes imploring. She revered her cousin, yet being disciplined in front of so many people was quite a blow to her dignity.
“All right, I won’t say more since you’re all grown up. Be wiser from now on,” Su Hengjing, after all, relented toward Su Wenyue. Had she still been a child, Su Hengjing would undoubtedly have given her a thorough lecture, but now that she was married and had someone to discipline her, he had to leave some face for his brother-in-law.
“Yes, yes, I’ll definitely be wiser and remember your words, cousin, so don’t worry,” Su Wenyue hurriedly nodded, somewhat disbelieving that her cousin let her off so easily. As she breathed a sigh of relief, she felt an odd sense of contentment—it seemed she was destined for chastisement.
Su Hengjing didn’t respond to his little cousin’s words but turned to Han Yu instead, “Brother-in-law, my sister has always been a bit foolish. Being the only daughter in the family, everyone doted on her, leading her to be even more oblivious to the world. Despite that, Lady Yue is indeed a good woman, pure-hearted and kind, deserving of someone’s true affection. You should treat her well. But strenuous as it might be, when the time comes for discipline, you must do it. I can see that you’re sincere about her, so it’s inevitable that you’ll pamper her, but sometimes overindulgence isn’t beneficial—you still need to keep a balance!”
As Su Wenyue listened, she felt her cousin was still good to her, even if he was implying she was ignorant. It was clear he was supporting her. But then the conversation shifted, and he was inciting Han Yu to discipline her—how despicable! Han Yu was already nagging enough and loved to be in charge of her. What would she do if he got even more intense in the future?!
Although Su Wenyue was unhappy in her heart, she didn’t dare to interject out of respect for her cousin whom she had always held in awe. She stood there pouting, her cheeks puffing in and out, clearly upset.