Rebirth of a Farming Wife

“It seems I really came on the right day. Thank you, Sister-in-law, for going through the trouble to arrange such a wonderful meal; you’ve allowed me a most satisfying feast.”

“You are too kind, Young Master Deng. I thought that since you’re used to having meat and fish regularly, I’d prepare some simple dishes so you could change things up a bit. Please try them and see if they’re to your liking?” Su Wenyue was confident in the meal she’d arranged, and having tasted it herself beforehand, although adhering to the virtue of modesty, she spoke thus.

A very satisfied Deng Tong ate his fill. If it weren’t for the fact that he absolutely had to return the next day, he honestly wished he could stay at the Han Family to enjoy a few more meals. Upon leaving, he didn’t forget to ask Su Wenyue for a few recipes; if he couldn’t regularly dine at the Han Family, he might as well have his own cooks figure them out.

After the meal, Deng Tong also made a special visit to see the three little guys. Looking at the three rosy and spirited babies, he sighed wistfully, feeling a tinge of envy for Han Yu, who had married such a beautiful, tender daughter-in-law. Not to mention her cooking skills, the most important thing was her ability to give birth. She had triplets on her first go and raised them so well—everything about them was admirable, and it was impossible not to be envious.

“I couldn’t make it for the children’s full moon celebration, so this is a little welcome gift for the three babies. Please accept it, Sister-in-law.” Deng Tong was clearly prepared, presenting three identical jade pendants. The jade was translucent and delicate, flawless, clearly of the highest quality.

“Young Master Deng, these jade pendants are far too valuable; the children cannot accept such expensive gifts from you,” Su Wenyue quickly refused on behalf of the children.

“I prepared these specifically for the three babies; please don’t be so modest with me, Sister-in-law. It’s not often I encounter a friend like Xiu Qi (Han Yu’s courtesy name), with whom I get along so well. I’ll be imposing more in the future. These few jade pendants aren’t a big deal; they are merely a token of my regard, so please don’t refuse them.”

Hearing Deng Tong speak in such a manner, Su Wenyue turned her eyes to Han Yu and, upon receiving his signal, accepted the jade pendants, “Then, on behalf of the three children, I thank Young Master Deng.”

After personally escorting Deng Tong back, Han Yu returned to find his wife waiting for him in the room, eyes eagerly searching, still in her day clothes at such a late hour. Thinking back to the meal earlier, his wife must have overheard his conversation with Deng Tong. Most likely she was waiting exactly for this reason. Han Yu felt somewhat helpless; this was just his wife’s nature.

“Husband, you’re back. Tell me quickly, what’s going on? Are you being transferred to the Prefecture General Camp?” Su Wenyue didn’t wait for Han Yu to change clothes and asked eagerly. It was already December, and she was arranging for the New Year celebration. If they were to move to the prefecture, many plans would be disrupted and she would have to start anew. Although the transfer was good news, there had been no prior inkling of it, and she was totally unprepared.

“Indeed, I am being transferred to the Prefecture General Camp. It’s not that I didn’t want to tell you, but I only got the news today. My previous outings were all about this matter, and now it has come to a conclusion. However, the formal orders haven’t arrived yet, so there might be uncertainties; therefore, let’s keep this news between us for now, but it should be soon. If nothing changes, the official document will arrive in a few days.”

“Husband, does this mean you’re being promoted again?” Su Wenyue blinked and asked; her envy was understandable. Han Yu’s promotion had been exceptionally rapid. Even in his previous life at this point, he had been but a lowly centurion who had later made a name for himself—how exactly, she wasn’t quite sure since she left with someone else. In the end, he had ascended to the position of Prime Minister.

“Yes, your husband is indeed getting promoted again. Are you pleased, wife?” said Han Yu with a laugh. While he couldn’t reveal his excitement in front of others, in front of his wife, he didn’t need to hold back. In a few strides, he reached her, picked her up, and planted several kisses on her, joyfully doting on her without reservation.

“I’m delighted, truly—but what are you doing, husband! Oh no, stop that, it’s truly annoying!” Su Wenyue was happy, but her husband’s antics—why did he always have to play around with her each time he was happy? This bad habit needed to change!

Han Yu spoke truly, as not two days later the official document and transfer orders arrived. Due to his merit in the bandit suppression, he had been promoted to a Sixth Rank Commander and raised by two grades. He was granted twenty days of leave and was to report to the General Battalion after the New Year.

Now that the official document and orders had arrived, the matter was set in stone. Su Wenyue then shared the good news with her mother’s family and husband’s family. Meanwhile, the news spread quickly in the military camp and became a delightful topic of conversation.

Han Yu, originally a mere peasant and still young, had already provoked attention with his quick rise through the ranks. Now, with another promotion and a transfer directly to the General Battalion, although due to his exploits against bandits, such good fortune inevitably incited envy and resentment. After all, unlike in his previous life, Han Yu had not earned his fame through actual combat on the battlefield. It was normal for people to react this way, but neither Han Yu nor Su Wenyue took these slanders to heart.

With the orders in hand and though Han Yu would not leave for his post until after the New Year, preparations still had to begin. Su Wenyue owned a Zhuangzi outside the prefecture, which could serve as their residence and was conveniently located near the General Battalion, facilitating Han Yu’s commute. However, for the requisite socializing and interaction, it was necessary to have a house in the city. One couldn’t expect everyone to come out to the Zhuangzi—it wasn’t convenient, and the resources at the Zhuangzi were Su Wenyue’s secrets and ace in the hole, not intended for public knowledge. However, this time Su Wenyue didn’t want to rent. She intended to buy a house directly, as the prices were relatively cheap, and she had enough food on hand to be confident.

After discussing her plans with Han Yu, he agreed, though he had no intention of letting Su Wenyue pay. The loot taken from the bandit stronghold last time should be sufficient to buy a house.

“Alright, leave it to me; I’m more familiar with things In The City. I’ll ask around and see if there’s a suitable house. If there is, we’ll buy it. It would be best if we can settle in before New Year; we can spend the holiday In The City this year, which is livelier than the county,” Han Yu said, thinking not just of the liveliness, but also wanting to use the time before his job starts to build connections and familiarize himself with the situation at the General Battalion, so he wouldn’t be completely in the dark when he first arrived.