Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Mrs. Yang didn’t have any particular feelings towards Feng Susu; it was the overly enthusiastic attitude of the servants at home that made her suspicious. However, since the last time she mentioned selling people, the servants had been exceedingly polite yet distant towards the Old Lady. Whenever Mrs. Yang asked them something, they would seal their lips and claim ignorance. With no way to vent her frustration, the Old Lady could only glare as Feng Susu entered the room.

“Aunt, you’re here. I’ve been feeling increasingly heavy these days and can’t go out, so I’ve been looking forward to your visit, just to chat with me,” Su Wenyue said, smiling as Xiao Xi took the basket from Feng Susu’s hands. She was genuinely happy that Feng Susu could come; her previous efforts had not been in vain.

“As long as you don’t mind, Lady Yue, I’ll come by more often,” Feng Susu also found that Madam Han was a very cheerful and straightforward person, easy to get along with, and she was intent on repaying.

“Didn’t Taier come today? Is he out at his stall?” Su Wenyue brought up An Tai, who was indeed a lovable child, obedient and sensible.

“Yes, as long as the weather is good, Taier is sure to be out setting up his stall. We rely on the money he earns from writing letters for people to get by. Taier is very filial and doesn’t want me to take on heavy work. He says it’s not worth it to wear myself out,” Feng Susu said, her voice filled with both heartache and pride when she talked about her son.

“Taier is truly a sensible child. But the world is becoming tougher by the day. Earning money from a street stall is getting more difficult and it’s also not safe,” Su Wenyue said, aware of the coming changes. The Imperial Court was starting currency reform, which had yet to be implemented in Xinye, but she knew it would likely soon cause chaos. Having lived through similar events in her previous life, she knew how bad things could get.

“That’s just the way it is,” Feng Susu sighed. She and her son didn’t even have a place to live; if they didn’t find a way to make money, they would be reduced to begging in the streets.

“Aunt, why don’t you and Taier come work for me? The world is becoming ever so unstable, and while my home might not be as rich and prestigious as others, it’s still a place to settle down,” Su Wenyue said. She didn’t lack servants but could still support two more. She worried that, once chaos erupted, Feng Susu and her son might not know where to go. Having invested so much in them, Su Wenyue didn’t want her efforts to go to waste. Besides, Feng Susu and her son were the kind-hearted people who would appreciate her help.

“How can this be? Lady Yue, you’ve already saved Taier’s life, and I’m so grateful. I don’t know how to repay you, I can’t cause you more trouble!” Feng Susu refused without thinking. She was not the type to take mile after being given an inch. She couldn’t keep imposing on others, especially now that, despite the difficulties, they were getting by.

“Aunt, I know you’re a kind-hearted person who recognizes kindness and don’t want to trouble me, but you also have to think about Taier. While you might not know, I’ve heard that the Imperial Court has just issued new decrees and it won’t be long before they’re enforced. With every new decree comes chaos, and it’s truly unsafe for Taier to be out on the streets with a stall, and income will likely diminish.”

“How could this be? The world really makes it hard for people to live,” said Feng Susu, somewhat disheartened by Su Wenyue’s words.

“There’s nothing we can do about it. I wouldn’t have made such a suggestion if I didn’t understand your character, Aunt. But rest assured, when you come over, we won’t need to sign any contracts. Just stay here. If a time comes when you wish to leave, I won’t hold you back. I’ve already asked my husband to inquire about Taier’s father’s situation. If you’re here, you’ll get the news quicker,” Su Wenyue reassured her, aware of Feng Susu’s greatest concerns in mentioning An Tai and his dad.

“But…” Feng Susu was still hesitant, mostly afraid of burdening and inconveniencing Su Wenyue. The Han Family already had enough servants to manage the work.

“Don’t hesitate, Aunt,” Su Wenyue continued. “I have a reason for inviting you—it’s your craftsmanship that I admire. You’re excellent at pickling. I’ve never had better, and I want the people around me to learn from you. I would be taking advantage of you if I didn’t confess that I want your recipe.” Su Wenyue knew Feng Susu’s temperament and had finally persuaded her.

Upon hearing this, Feng Susu eased up considerably. Her pickling skills, passed down through generations, were meant to be kept within the family, but in such difficult times, she wouldn’t care much for tradition. She would willingly sell the recipe for a bit of silver, but who would spend money on that? Especially since Lady Yue, her benefactress, and her son’s lifesaver could not be repaid. If Lady Yue truly desired her pickling recipe, she would gladly offer it with both hands.

Lady Yue, being astute, understood this rationale. In essence, she was indirectly offering assistance to Feng Susu and her son. If Feng Susu refused again, she’d be negating Lady Yue’s kindness. Besides, Lady Yue seemed genuinely fond of her pickled goods, which meant Feng Susu could do something for her benefactress instead of idly receiving handouts. This comforted Feng Susu a great deal.

“No, no, Lady Yue, you wouldn’t take advantage of others. If you truly coveted my skills, you wouldn’t have waited until now. You sincerely wish to help my son and me. It would be heartless of me to misinterpret your intentions. I possess nothing of value to repay you, just my craftsmanship which I’m proud of. As long as you like it, I’ll teach it wholeheartedly,” Feng Susu agreed to Su Wenyue’s suggestion with these words.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll have someone move your things over soon. Taier is a bright child; he won’t need to sell at the street stall any longer. He can study at home or learn martial arts from Big Brother Han. Given how chaotic the world is, it’s good to have some self-defense skills. I think Taier could stand to strengthen up, even if he doesn’t master the arts, it will benefit his health,” Su Wenyue suggested.

Feng Susu had always worried that her son was too frail, a reason for his recent brush with death from a cold. Agreeing with Su Wenyue, despite feeling uneasy for once again relying on her generosity, she accepted.

“This is wonderful, Lady Yue. There’s no way for my son and me to repay your kindness. Even if we work as hard as oxen and horses, we will never forget your benevolence.”

In previous visits, Su Wenyue would always send Feng Susu back with some food. Seeing as the mother and son would soon be moving in with the Han Family, this time she didn’t. Mrs. Yang watched the movements on Su Wenyue’s side from the courtyard, noticing Feng Susu leaving empty-handed. Assuming Feng Susu had brought gifts for Su Wenyue, she said nothing, but observing the light basket, she guessed it contained nothing of significance.