Rebirth of a Farming Wife - Chapter 554

Chapter 554: Chapter 560: Achieving the Desired Effect
 

Madam Su glanced at her son-in-law’s expression and, seeing that he was not displeased, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Her satisfaction with Han Yu grew even stronger—she was relieved that she hadn’t ruined this marriage arrangement back then, or she would have had much to regret. Not to mention Han Yu’s abilities, he was now a respected general who commanded awe and authority. But even more notable was her son-in-law’s patient and doting attitude toward her daughter. The genuine esteem and affection he had for her daughter was rare to find in the world, even if one searched with a lantern.

Madam Su knew her own daughter very well. She used to worry about her daughter’s temperament; too naive and romantic, yet also willful. Even if her son-in-law was indulgent towards her daughter because of her outstanding beauty, it was not a long-term solution, for beauty would eventually fade.

The struggle in the backyard was no less challenging than men conducting business outside—the intrigue and deceit were unending. And in wealthy families, which man did not have three wives and four concubines? Even if fewer, at least one or two were common. With her daughter’s naiveness, how could she compete with those vixens? Sooner or later, she would be at a disadvantage.

This was why, although Madam Su had strongly opposed the marriage arranged by her father-in-law and husband, she had left some leeway and had not resorted to her ultimate tactics. Otherwise, had she truly been determined, even Master Su wouldn’t have been able to go against her will, unless Master Su were ready to disregard even the life and death of Madam Su to keep his commitment. And given Master Su’s affection for Madam Su, whatever the reason, that could not happen.

“Lady Yue, stop making a fuss. If your husband is willing to share with you, then by all means listen. But if he cannot tell you, it is not your place to know. You pressuring your son-in-law like this, our Su Family daughters are not raised to behave in such a manner!” Madam Su was satisfied with her son-in-law, but strict with her daughter. Despite her reluctance to be harsh, she still scolded with a stern face.

Su Wenyue had lost her composure out of anger, failing to give Han Yu face in front of everyone. Having been chastised by Madam Su, she began to calm down from her anger and felt regret for making Han Yu lose face in front of so many people, especially her mother’s family. Besides, she was not clear about the situation yet; perhaps she had misunderstood. But she couldn’t take back the words she had already spoken, nor could she bring herself to apologize to Han Yu. She stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do next.

A man’s pity for his daughter-in-law is innate. Seeing his daughter-in-law like this, Han Yu felt even greater pity, as he already harbored some guilt for having to take certain actions due to the future development of events. Madam Su’s tone this time was too harsh; she had even brought up the upbringing of Su Family daughters, although his daughter-in-law’s upbringing was definitely of the highest order.

Madam Su was about to add more when Han Yu quickly interceded, “Mother-in-law, I am grateful that you are speaking up for me. It’s not that Lady Yue should be angry; it’s that I did not handle things well, which provoked her. We, husband and wife, will surely talk it over later. Seeing how much hardship Lady Yue has suffered outside, could you forgive her this time?”

“Son-in-law, I’m not criticizing you, but necessary words must be said. Indulging Lady Yue like this will only spoil her further. If she does something even more outrageous in the future, and it surpasses your threshold of tolerance, blaming her and making her pay the price at that time will not be for her good,” remarked Madam Su with deeper implications.

Hearing this, Han Yu understood perfectly well—his mother-in-law was implicitly asking for reassurance. He responded promptly, “Mother-in-law, rest assured, I am well aware of Lady Yue’s temperament—she is not imprudent. On daily basis, she embodies virtue and decency, raising our children and managing our household impeccably. This time, she even nearly lost her life for my sake. Today, here and now, I swear that from this day forward there will be no other women—I will take only Lady Yue as my wife, never to part from her until death. If I break this oath, may I be struck by heavenly wrath and earthly destruction!”

At that moment, Su Wenyue truly felt remorseful. Given Han Yu’s sincere demeanor, how could she not be more understanding and considerate of him? Even if she was angry, they could resolve it in private. Yet she had made a scene in front of so many, and Han Yu was not angered at all.

“Husband, don’t be like this. Oaths should not be made lightly. You’re never to do this again!” Su Wenyue hadn’t had the chance to stop Han Yu before he made the oath, so she could only admonish him urgently. She had not given much thought to oaths in the past, finding them ethereal, but since her rebirth, she believed in the existence of heavenly laws and thus placed importance on such matters, not making vows lightly.

“Wife, aren’t you angry anymore?” Seeing his wife approach him with concern, Han Yu no longer cared about the presence of others. Holding Su Wenyue’s hand, he spoke with a teasing smile, surprising everyone. Aside from Madam Su, the others had not seen this side of Han Yu. He was indeed a husband who doted on his wife. Despite his usual serious and stern demeanor, in front of his wife, he showed an entirely different attitude.

Having been impulsive, Su Wenyue already regretted her actions. Seeing Han Yu lower himself to match her, she couldn’t possibly continue to be aloof. But doing it in front of so many people from her mother’s family was somewhat embarrassing, so she shyly nodded and assumed the demeanor of a demure daughter-in-law.

Although his wife was no longer angry, Han Yu still wanted to clear things up as soon as possible to prevent her from worrying unnecessarily. Moreover, since the discussion had reached a sufficient point, some issues could not be avoided. His wife was right—whatever the truth was, they should speak frankly. His wife was not an unreasonable or ignorant woman; she would surely understand and support him.

However, upon returning to their room, they found that their three children had already been waiting there. Both Han Yu and Su Wenyue, one eager to speak and the other to learn, had to patiently soothe the children first.

“Mother, you’re finally back! We got up early in the morning wanting to find you, but they said you were still resting and didn’t let us disturb you. We waited until evening to come, only to find out you were already gone. We’ve been waiting here for quite a while,” Sister Yu was the first to pounce on Su Wenyue, naturally running into her arms and acting coquettishly.

Star Brother and Brother Chen, learning from yesterday’s lesson, knew their father disliked their unmeasured behavior and their mother didn’t have the strength to hold them, so they obediently walked up to Su Wenyue, unlike yesterday when they charged at her like cannonballs.

“Mother, we’re so glad you’re back. We’ve missed you so much, not seeing you for such a long time. Last night there wasn’t nearly enough time to talk to you,” Brother Chen, unable to cling to Su Wenyue like Sister Yu, still tugged at her hand and cooed affectionately.

Star Brother, somewhat more composed, didn’t behave like his younger siblings. Yet, his longing gaze and the occasional hint of sadness on his face arguably made a greater impact.