Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Upon hearing Su Wenyue speak in this way, Aunt Li’s expression changed. She thought to herself how suddenly the master had changed. She didn’t look like someone who would forget kindness and betray trust. Now understanding the reason, and having seen much of the world herself, Aunt Li was aware of the dangers involved. She was both happy for the Madam and somewhat worried.

“Madam, since that is the case, I will go and arrange things at the mansion. There are certain matters that I must personally oversee to ensure nothing goes wrong.” Aunt Li had initially wanted to persuade Su Wenyue to change her mind, which was why she hadn’t attended to the other matters, but now the situation was different. How could she rest assured leaving those affairs unattended? So she asked to take personal charge of them.

An hour later, Su Wenyue set off on time with the three children. She had let it be known that they were headed to Zhuangzi, taking all important things from the mansion with her, as well as the servants, leaving only a few to keep watch. They made a grand and imposing procession towards Zhuangzi.

Halfway there, the horse carriage suddenly stopped. Su Wenyue’s eyes moved slightly as she lifted the carriage curtain, “What’s the matter, why has the carriage stopped?”

Su Wenyue asked, puzzled, and immediately a servant came over to report, “Madam, there’s a carriage broken down in the middle of the road ahead, blocking our way. The road here is quite narrow, and we cannot pass unless that carriage is moved.”

“Then find a way to move that carriage. We can’t just stay blocked on the road,” Su Wenyue seemed somewhat dissatisfied.

“The housekeeper has already sent people to negotiate with the owner of that carriage. It’s loaded with quite a few heavy items, and the road is narrow along this stretch. Even if we move it, it will take some time,” the servant explained. In that short span of time, the housekeeper had also negotiated with the owner of the carriage and came to report back to Su Wenyue, with much the same message.

Su Wenyue appeared somewhat frustrated, but she didn’t place blame as it was no fault of the housekeeper’s; no one could have anticipated something happening on the road.

“Never mind, have them hurry up. It’s not good to keep delaying like this, as it’s getting late.” Su Wenyue said, then glanced around. There seemed to be a farmhouse not too far away. She was just about to say something when, seeming to understand Su Wenyue’s intention, the housekeeper was already speaking up.

“Madam, it looks like it will take some time to move the carriage. You must be tired from sitting in the carriage for so long. Why don’t you find a place to rest and have something to eat in the meantime?”

Su Wenyue nodded, “That sounds good. Let the housekeeper arrange it.”

The housekeeper took the order and immediately rode to the farmhouse to make arrangements. Su Wenyue and the others followed in the carriage. By the time they arrived, the people of the house had come out to greet them, showing them warm hospitality.

But something seemed off to Su Wenyue. The couple looked normal in appearance and attire, but she sensed something amiss, as if lacking something. She hesitated. If it were just her, it would be one thing, but she had three children with her. Despite being surrounded by so many people, she still felt it wasn’t quite safe to take a risk with the children, especially at such a critical moment.

Aunt Li and the nannies were following Su Wenyue with the children, and Qi Luo was by Su Wenyue’s side, closely guarding her. When Su Wenyue stopped, they all stopped as well. Qi Luo, noticing Su Wenyue’s behavior, also slightly furrowed her brows, seemingly sensing something improper.

“Madam, please come inside and sit. We’re just a low-status civilian family, our place is very modest. Please don’t scorn us, Madam. We’ve already prepared tea, please come in and rest your legs,” the woman said, appearing a bit anxious as Su Wenyue remained at the door without entering. Although she didn’t show it on her face, Su Wenyue picked up on the woman’s subtle movements.

“Are you the farmers here?” Su Wenyue asked casually, with a hint of disdain showing the attitude of a lady of status. Internally, she was on high alert, signaling Qi Luo with her eyes to protect the children.

“Yes, we commoners have lived here all along. It’s rare to see important people like yourself. It’s our great honor to have Madam visit our humble home,” the man replied eagerly, with a fawning attitude, showing no signs of nervousness, which was somewhat surprising. Su Wenyue had encountered farmers before, like back in Xinluo Town when she was just the Deputy Lieutenant’s wife. Those farmers would be nervous and restrained in her presence. And now, her status was much higher than before. Whether in dress or entourage, everything was more grandiose than before.

That was it; Su Wenyue realized what was wrong. These farmers didn’t look like ordinary farmers. Normally, farmers, upon meeting officials, no matter the official’s rank, would genuinely be fearful, displaying an extremely cautious demeanor, unlike this couple, who were so composed. Unless it was out of ignorance, it had to be a lack of fear. Clearly not the brightest looking couple, they must belong to the latter category. Moreover, their hands were wrong – too clean, not at all like those of typically hardworking farmers.

Sensing a problem, Su Wenyue became even less hurried and began to speculate about the identity of this farmhouse family. Who were they, and what was their purpose? Was it to capture her and the children as a threat to Han Yu, or something else?

“Never mind, I won’t go in after all. The house looks dismal, and there’s an odd smell inside that I really can’t stand. I’ll go back to the carriage. It seems that they are also nearly done dealing with it over there,” Su Wenyue said, preparing to walk back. The bodyguards from the mansion, receiving Su Wenyue’s hint, were on alert and guarded her.

“Madam, wait!” Seeing Su Wenyue start to walk back, the farmhouse couple became desperate and quickly followed, trying to stop Su Wenyue. This reaction made it clear to everyone that the couple was suspicious, as they formed a protective circle around Su Wenyue and the children.

The housekeeper stood in front of the couple, rebuking them loudly, “Who exactly are you people, and what is your intention in blocking the Madam? Speak quickly, or don’t blame me for being impolite!”

The couple realized they had been too hasty, but if Su Wenyue didn’t enter the house, their mission would fail, and they would have to answer to their master.

“Tell me, who are you really?” The housekeeper, now surrounded by several bodyguards, had encircled the couple.

Exchanging a glance and considering their options, the couple hesitated, scanned the surroundings, then seemed to decide something and took an object out of their clothes. The housekeeper tensed, fully prepared for any trickery from the couple.