Rebirth of a Farming Wife

“Cousin,” Su Lanxin said with a smile, “congratulations to you. With brother-in-law’s promotion, your days are going to be even better.” In her heart, she was truly happy for Su Wenyue, after all, during this time her cousin had treated them, the two sisters, with genuine care, even offering them a sense of kinship and warmth they had never experienced before.

She used to feel that her cousin marrying Han Yu was rather beneath her, considering her cousin’s status, she could have married someone even better. However, after seeing Han Yu’s distinguished appearance and extraordinary ability, and considering that he was now an official, she no longer had such thoughts. After all, their uncle had only secured for his brother-in-law an eighth rank position, yet within such short time he managed to climb to the seventh rank by his own skill, which was quite an achievement. Now, to think that he had been promoted so quickly again, transferred to the General Battalion in the prefecture, recognized and valued by those above, his future seemed boundless. At this rate of promotion, it was only a matter of time before her cousin would enjoy a prosperous life.

Su Wenyue smiled and said, “It’s nothing but a sixth rank Commander position. Though it may not count for much, it was my husband who earned it through his own skill, and naturally, I’m happy about it. However, I have come to understand that in life, one simply hopes for peace and joy. I don’t ask for much else, as long as your brother-in-law is safe and stays away from dangerous things.”

As Su Wenyue spoke, she knew it was unlikely. Given Han Yu’s nature, how could he possibly avoid danger and stay in the back while striving for a future, especially once the Imperial Court fell into complete chaos and war erupted? With Han Yu’s personality, he would inevitably be leading his men at the forefront. In his past life, as a mere farmer with no connections, how had he climbed to the top? It was initially through military merit. He was not only the new dynasty’s Prime Minister but also a renowned War God.

“Cousin, rest assured, for your sake and the kids’, brother-in-law will also be more careful with his safety,” she said.

“I hope so,” Su Wenyue nodded, choosing not to say much more.

“Cousin, we’ve been here for a while now, and Lan Fang and I have discussed this. We plan to leave tomorrow. After being away for so long, mother must be getting anxious,” Su Lanxin added.

Understanding and sensible, Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang knew that with Han Yu’s transfer to the prefecture, their cousin would surely be busy preparing to move with him. They didn’t want to be a burden as they had already stayed quite some time. Initially, they had stayed to accompany their cousin since Han Yu was not around, but now, it was time for them to return to the Su Family, lest their mother scold them for lacking propriety.

Well aware of this, Su Wenyue didn’t insist on keeping her two cousins any longer. With so much currently on her plate, she could just as well welcome them to the provincial capital once she was settled there.

“Alright then, I’ve also been meaning to visit the mother’s family, so it works out that I’ll accompany you tomorrow. Once things are settled in the capital, I can have you come over,” said Su Wenyue, who also hadn’t returned to her mother’s family for a while. Personally escorting her cousins made it an appropriate time to explain the situation to her eldest aunt, ensuring she wouldn’t give them a hard time.

Su Wenyue was aware that Pei Yuhan, the Miss Cousin from the Pei family, wasn’t an easy person to deal with, particularly after hearing from Lan Xin and Lan Fang about some of her actions. Pei Yuhan claimed she had come to rely on their eldest aunt due to her stepmother’s lack of kindness, yet she had never behaved like a guest. Despite weeping and crying all day, her actions were quite domineering, never showing mercy when picking on Lan Xin and Lan Fang. With the sisters having stayed with her for such a long time, Pei Yuhan would definitely stir trouble with their eldest aunt. Since it was Su Wenyue who had brought them, and she always saw things through to the end, she couldn’t allow Lan Xin and Lan Fang to be blamed and troubled because of this. Additionally, she had some family matters to discuss with her father and big brother.

“Cousin, you’re so busy every day, and there’s no need to trouble yourself with a special trip to the mother’s family on our account. We can handle mother and cousin; there’s no need for you to worry. We grew up in the backyard; since we were young, we’ve been familiar with these little schemes. We just haven’t bothered to contend with Miss Cousin, not that we’re really so helpless!” Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang, wishing to reassure Su Wenyue, didn’t mind showing their true selves, offering sincerity in return for her kindness, aware of how good their cousin had been to them.

Su Wenyue nodded, knowing that her resilient cousins Lan Xin and Lan Fang weren’t as simple as they might appear. After all, one was a concubine’s daughter turned Marquess, and the other, though discreet in the palace, had raised her own empire’s prince – feats not just anyone could achieve. Yet, she was pleased to see Lan Xin and Lan Fang willing to reveal their true selves in front of her. Even with her understanding, the willingness of the sisters to voluntarily let her know they appreciated her care and effort made it clear that those efforts had not been in vain.

“At the end of the day, you are still young girls. Cousin knows you have your plans, but at your age, you should be properly looked after. It’s not only for your sake that I’m going home; there are other matters to discuss with daddy and big brother, which you don’t need to worry about. Since you’re leaving tomorrow, have the servant girls pack your things.”

As she spoke, Su Wenyue remembered, “The clothes I made for you last time, there are a few more sets. I’ve been so busy that even though I’ve designed them, I haven’t had the time to work on them myself, so I had the embroiderers do it. They’re quite skilled, and the clothes have been finished and delivered here. Take a look to see if you like them, and try them on to check for any imperfections. If necessary, the embroiderer can quickly make adjustments.”

While she was speaking, Aunt Li, one of the old women, had already brought the clothes over. Lan Xin and Lan Fang, naturally delighted, yet felt slightly uneasy and worried, even guilty. Their cousin had done so much for them, yet they had little to offer in return.

“Cousin, you’ve made so many clothes for the two of us, how can we accept this?”

“What’s wrong with that? I’ve also made two sets of jewelry for you, just right to go with a few of the clothes. But since you’re leaving tomorrow, they won’t be delivered so quickly. Once they’re ready, I’ll send them to you. If there’s enough time for me to get settled in the prefecture, I’ll bring you over to spend the New Year,” Su Wenyue reassured.

Hearing that their cousin had also made jewelry for them, Lan Xin and Lan Fang became even less willing to accept. But Su Wenyue knew their thoughts: “Enough, don’t refuse it. I’m giving these things to you, and you should accept them with ease. I’m not just anyone, I’m your sister. Shouldn’t a sister cherish her younger sisters?”

When Su Wenyue said this, the corners of Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang’s eyes grew red. Even a real sister couldn’t do more, and they vowed in their hearts to regard their cousin as their own sister.