Chapter 300: Chapter 308: A Field of Knowledge
Mrs. Liu repeatedly instructed, and although she had scolded Lvru earlier, it was because the words Lvru had spoken were highly inappropriate. Her husband valued the relationship with the Han Family, so naturally, she also had to maintain it in front of the servants. In reality, she did feel that Su Wenyue was a bit petty; even though the price of food had indeed beco more precious these days, they were not an ordinary family. Presenting so much pickles as gifts seed sowhat beneath their dignity, especially since the Han Family’s pickles had not yet gained much of a reputation. Unexpectedly, the gifts Su Wenyue brought also included foods from the outer domain, which changed everything, as everything was valuable because of its rarity.
Lvru’s face turned red; she had just been criticizing Madam Han and now felt the sting of being contradicted. After all, Lvru was just outspoken and didn’t harbor any ill intentions. Hearing that so of the foods she disdained were rare items from the outer domain, she realized that no matter their quality, rare things always seed valuable.
“Madam, I have learned my lesson and will not speak out of turn again,” Lvru truly acknowledged her mistake this ti, finding the reality a harsher teacher than Mrs. Liu’s reprimand.
“As long as you’ve learned your lesson,” Mrs. Liu nodded. She valued Lvru, and one of the reasons was for Lvru’s character. To her, being clever and smart was not as important to have in a servant girl as loyalty and integrity were.
Other households that received gifts sent by Su Wenyue initially had the sa thoughts as Mrs. Liu. However, once they learned that the unfamiliar foods were from the outer domain, their contempt vanished. Given the difficulty of overseas trade at the ti, the shortage made such items precious, not rely sothing money could buy—sotis, connections were needed to obtain them.
Mada Zhao’s emotions were mixed upon receiving the gifts sent by Su Wenyue. At the ti, she thought highly of Han Yu as a promising young man destined for a great future, which made her willing to befriend Su Wenyue and bestow her favor. Now, her predictions had been confird, although she never anticipated Han Yu’s rise to be so rapid, which kindled envy in her. Su Wenyue, who she once had to look up to, was now her equal—thanks to the accomplishnts of Mrs. Su’s husband.
In just a few months, Han Yu had attained a rank equal to her husband’s, an advancent that demanded attention. While luck played a role, genuine skill must also be present; otherwise, Han Yu couldn’t have eradicated the fierce bandits whom the Imperial Court had failed to suppress after several attempts, which led to his promotion to office.
Speaking of Han Yu’s recent transfer to the prefecture, the servants might have been unaware, but Mada Zhao was inford. It was the result of a struggle between two factions in the city. With a vacant post at stake, neither side wanted an opponent to fill it, inadvertently favoring the unaffiliated Han Yu. However, even though Han Yu’s position was elevated and he was posted to the prefecture, entering the military camp there would likely be fraught with difficulties.
“Please thank Madam Han for ; I appreciate her thoughtful gesture. If she has spare ti, invite her to visit . After all, we’re old acquaintances, having both spent ti in Xinluo Town. The fondness between us is naturally different from others,” Mada Zhao told Aunt Li, who handled matters tastefully and was a trusted old woman by her side. Thus, for visits to more important figures, Su Wenyue usually sent Aunt Li.
Mada Zhao’s words also indicated she had advice to offer Su Wenyue. Although Mada Zhao wasn’t entirely optimistic about Han Yu’s prospects at the Prefecture General Camp, her husband had ntioned that this young man was not simple. He was determined and thoughtful; even in tough situations, he might carve out a path for himself. Therefore, Mada Zhao was willing to give Su Wenyue so guidance and favor, thinking that if Han Yu were to succeed, he would rember this kindness. If not, it was no harm done; after all, it simply involved a little more talking, which cost her nothing.
Upon returning, Aunt Li conveyed Mada Zhao’s ssage to Su Wenyue, who pondered its implications. Perhaps Mada Zhao had sothing to tell her; otherwise, she wouldn’t have specifically brought up a visit. It might be that Mada Zhao had inside information she wished to pass on to Han Yu, as Lord Zhao was now part of the General Battalion. It was normal for Mada Zhao to be privy to so details. Or maybe there was intent to win over Han Yu?
Considering this, Su Wenyue weighed Mada Zhao’s words and guessed her intentions. Whatever the case, she had to find ti to visit Zhao Mansion—one of her objectives upon arriving in the prefecture was to foster good relations with these madams. Now, she might just accelerate that process and possibly gain so useful information.
“Aunt Li, arrange it so that I will visit Zhao Mansion tomorrow. Instruct the servants to make preparations,” Su Wenyue decided then and there.
When Han Yu ca ho, Su Wenyue didn’t forget to discuss Mada Zhao’s matter with him, to hear Han Yu’s thoughts. After all, he often had more insightful information, and where she might overlook sothing, Han Yu could provide a comprehensive perspective.
“In that case, you should visit Zhao Mansion tomorrow. I have heard so rumors as well, but since we’ve just arrived in the prefecture, I haven’t had a chance to confirm their accuracy. Since Mada Zhao is inclined, it would be good for you to listen to what she has to say,” Han Yu said thoughtfully. He had considered the matter; previously, Lord Zhao had shown appreciation for him, and his goodwill had been consistent. Even Han Yu’s promotion to Deputy Lieutenant was largely due to Lord Zhao’s support. It’s unlikely that Mada Zhao would make things difficult for his daughter-in-law. If Mada Zhao truly had sothing to communicate or advise through her, it was worth the visit. Besides, given her current status, Su Wenyue was on an equal footing with Mada Zhao and wouldn’t be bullied.
“Alright, that’s what I decided as well. I’ve already instructed Aunt Li to prepare, and the invitation has been sent. I will visit Zhao Mansion tomorrow.”
The second day, Su Wenyue got up early, checked on her child, instructed the nanny to take good care of him, and then headed for Zhao Mansion.
Mada Zhao, to show her regard, had her Maid greet Su Wenyue personally at the gate. Seeing Su Wenyue again, Mada Zhao was once more taken aback by her beauty. Back then, she found Mrs. Su exceptionally lovely, a beautiful and intelligent woman. Now, however, she saw an added touch of grace and elegance to Su Wenyue, no doubt a result of the change in her status.
In the past, given Han Yu’s lower rank, Su Wenyue had to be careful not to draw undue attention or jealousy, which could trouble Han Yu, even in a small place like Xinye County where many had higher ranks—and even more so in the prefecture. Su Wenyue had been cautious with her appearance and attire. With Han Yu’s change in status, her dress and attire naturally differed. Arriving in the prefecture as a newcor with a humble farming background, having climbed the ranks so rapidly, many inevitably held him in so contempt. Su Wenyue intended to use her attire to gain the other madams’ esteem, thus influencing their husbands indirectly. Dress and appearance, after all, are an art form in themselves.
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