Rebirth of a Farming Wife

“Aunt, you shouldn’t say such things. To tell you the truth, I felt a connection with you, which is how we met under such circumstances. I don’t consider myself a particularly kind-hearted person, nor am I one to meddle in others’ business. It was your actions that I admired from the bottom of my heart, which made me willing to befriend you. I now treat you like family, Aunt, so don’t act like a stranger with me.”

“Not at all, to speak presumptuously, I feel the same in my heart, and see you like my own Daughter.”

“What’s this talk of ‘reaching beyond one’s grasp’? From now on, you’re my dear Aunt. But Aunt, I have to tell you the good news. There is some news about Uncle, although it’s not yet certain, I will find out the details as quickly as possible,” Su Wenyue said, releasing a piece of news Feng Susu couldn’t remain calm about.

“What did you say?” Feng Susu’s body jerked in response, seemingly unable to believe her ears. After all these years, there had been no word of her Husband, and she had almost given up hope. Suddenly, there was such good news, and she was somewhat overwhelmed.

“It’s not certain yet, there’s only a vague piece of news, and we can’t confirm it’s Uncle yet. I wasn’t planning to tell you now, fearing a false alarm would bring you needless joy. But seeing how you miss Uncle, and how you even went to Lingyin Temple in such heavy snow, I just couldn’t keep it from you.”

“Is what you told me true, Lady Yue? There’s really news about my Husband? Where is he?” Feng Susu finally burst into eager anticipation as she grasped Su Wenyue’s hands, staring intently, fearful that Su Wenyue would give a negative reply.

“Aunt, don’t get too excited. I only have a clue, but it’s not yet verified. Please don’t be too disappointed if it turns out to be nothing. I’ve been holding back these days for fear it would be too much for you to bear if it weren’t him.”

Su Wenyue was actually fully aware of the situation internally, but she couldn’t show it; otherwise, any slip-up now could later become a point of suspicion. Despite being a Farmer’s wife, Su Wenyue never underestimated a woman like Feng Susu—kind and simple on the outside, but someone who had managed to search for her Husband for years and raise her son. Just on the merit of her ability alone, she was not to be taken lightly.

Upon hearing this, Feng Susu nodded urgently, fearing missing out on any news, “No, I can handle it. I’ve gotten through all these years already. You must tell me immediately if you have any news. Even if it turns out not to be him, I need to hear it from you. It’s alright if there’s no news this time; he is my son’s father, and I will keep searching.”

As Feng Susu spoke, she couldn’t help but shed tears, perhaps reminded of past events. She tried to contain herself but failed to hold back her tears, continuously wiping them away. After so many years of searching, how could she truly not care about the result? It was just a way to comfort herself, to keep going.

“Don’t worry, Aunt. If I have any news, I will tell you at once.” Seeing Feng Susu like this, Su Wenyue also felt a bit of guilt and compunction, but she was still clear about what needed to be done. Moreover, according to her plan, Aunt Feng would be reunited with her Husband soon enough.

Speaking of which, Su Wenyue thought of Hongling from the General’s Mansion. Although barely a Concubine, she was a woman after all, and conspicuously lived in the General’s Mansion, even representing it at banquets. What was her story, and what was her place in General An’s heart?

Although Hongling acted covertly without General An’s knowledge, Su Wenyue did not believe that General An was completely unaware. If that were the case, An Chenhu would not be in the position he was today. It was simply a matter of turning a blind eye to Hongling’s actions, which is why she dared to do as she did.

With such a woman’s existence, Su Wenyue was somewhat concerned. She wondered how Feng Susu would feel when she found out about it. For all the years of searching for her Husband fervently, to find that he now had another woman—and considering the arrogant manner of Hongling—it was evident what kind of person she was.

“Look at me, getting overexcited during the New Year. I just couldn’t help it when I suddenly heard news about my child’s father. Lady Yue, please don’t mind my reaction.” Having wiped away her tears, Feng Susu finally regained composure. It was a time when people were superstitious, and tears were inauspicious, especially now.

Speaking of the General’s Mansion, Hongling brought the Chicken Soup she stewed for half a day to the door of the study room but was stopped from entering.

“Young man, could you do me a favor? I’ve made Chicken Soup for the General to replenish his strength. Rest assured, the General won’t blame me for this show of care,” Hongling pleaded in a softened voice, but the Servant guarding the door wasn’t falling for her act.

“No can do. The General ordered that he not be disturbed by anyone, especially not you!”

“What’s the harm? I know the General misses the Older Sister and his son. I just want to go in and offer him some comfort. As a subordinate, you should consider the General’s feelings. He’s been searching for them for so many years to no avail; surely, someone caring should be by his side to attend to him.”

“That’s not your place. Leave immediately. If you disturb the General, don’t blame me for being rude.” The Servant’s face showed contempt and disdain. Outsiders might not know the truth, but they did, and they found her quite objectionable.

General An heard the commotion outside too. Failing again to find his Wife and son, he was set to spend another New Year alone. Already in a foul mood, he ordered that Hongling be sent away.

Hongling, refused entry, felt disgraced, especially under the disdainful and contemptuous gaze of the Servant. Even with her thick skin, she was upset, stomping her foot and leaving resentfully: “Hmph, such wooden insensitivity! What’s so good about that woman and child? She’s just a Village woman; who knows what she would look like now if found. Besides, with how chaotic the World is, who knows if they’re still alive.”

But those last two sentences were things Hongling could only mutter to herself. She dared not voice them aloud and risk enraging General An. The woman and child were his soft spot, and despite Hongling’s reluctance, she had to admit it.