Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 616: Chapter Six Hundred and Twenty-Two
 

Hearing that Su Wenyue had stayed alone in her room for so long without coming out, Brother Xing grew increasingly worried. Although Mother had instructed him, he also knew that actions should depend on the situation. He wasn’t a person of foolish filial piety. After some thought, he couldn’t restrain himself and headed towards the main house. He didn’t know what that woman had said, but he couldn’t let Mother worry alone. If he went over, at least someone could offer Mother some comfort.

“Eldest Young Master.” Aunt Li and Zhai Li first paid their respects to Brother Xing, their faces showing reverence. Although Brother Xing was young, he was no ordinary child. Not to mention that Brother Xing was General’s eldest son, Brother Xing’s own abilities and intelligence were enough to warrant their serious attention.

“Has Mother been alone inside the whole time? Has there been any movement?” Brother Xing asked with a nod, his voice revealing his concern.

“Madam has been inside all this time, and she won’t let the old servant attend to her. It’s been almost two hours now, and we don’t know how Madam is.”

Brother Xing heard Aunt Li’s reply, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he turned his gaze to Zhai Li, “Uncle Zhai, did Dad send you back? Is what that woman said true?”

Zhai Li, upon hearing this, did not answer, but looked towards Aunt Li and Shu Xiang. Although they were Madam’s confidants, the matter was of great importance. Not a single piece of information could be revealed, or it might greatly affect the overall situation.

Seeing Zhai Li act this way, Brother Xing instructed Aunt Li and Shu Xiang, “You all may leave first. I have things to discuss with Uncle Zhai.”

After seeing Aunt Li and Shu Xiang withdraw, Brother Xing continued, “Uncle Zhai, now that we’re alone, you can speak the truth. Rest assured, although I’m young, I understand what’s important. This conversation won’t go beyond my ears. Only if I know the truth can I figure out how to comfort Mother.”

Time had passed, and Brother Xing’s mind was already filled with many ideas and plans. If Zhai Li hadn’t come, Brother Xing would have had to consider other options. Now that Zhai Li had arrived, he could get accurate information from him and then persuade Su Wenyue, influencing her thoughts and emotions.

Zhai Li, listening to Brother Xing’s words, sighed inwardly at the boy’s maturity beyond his years. Indeed, he seemed like no child at all. If one were to overlook Brother Xing’s age, he would be just like an adult, and Brother Xing even carried an authoritative presence reminiscent of an elder.

“Please rest assured, Eldest Young Master. Master’s feelings for Madam have never changed. He values Madam more than anything. It’s just that due to the overall situation, some sacrifices had to be made, but these have not crossed Madam’s bottom line. It’s only that outsiders don’t know the situation and thus misunderstand,” Zhai Li reassured.

“Then why didn’t Dad come back himself?” Brother Xing was not easily fooled. Although he somewhat trusted Zhai Mo, Zhai Mo’s loyalty was to his father, and his first duty was to ensure Mother’s interests. Brother Xing immediately challenged, “If Dad truly cares for Mother as much as Zhai Mo says, he should come himself, not send a subordinate. This not only shows a lack of sincerity but could it be that he is detained by some urgent matter?”

Eldest Young Master is so astute. Truly worthy of being General’s son, Zhai Li thought, his face showing even greater respect, “It’s not that General isn’t coming back. It’s just that he’s involved in a very important matter that will affect the overall situation, and his presence is necessary. Therefore, General has sent me back first, worried that Madam, after hearing rumors, might become anxious and do something foolish. As for the truth of the matter, I ask that Eldest Young Master not reveal it to Madam just yet. General wants to explain it to Madam personally.”

Brother Xing, upon hearing this, felt somewhat relieved. As long as Father hadn’t actually taken another woman outside, things would be somewhat manageable. Although he had made preparations for either outcome, his mother would live well with their support, but he still hoped the family could live harmoniously. Some matters they couldn’t replace.

“Since Father has instructed, I will naturally follow.”

“And what about Madam?” Zhai Mo asked, looking at the tightly closed door.

“Uncle Zhai, don’t worry about Mother. I will persuade her. We’ll wait for Dad to come back and explain personally. Mother isn’t a woman of little understanding. Although she might be a bit jealous due to her deep feelings for Dad, she’s definitely not unreasonable. As long as what Uncle Zhai has said is true, Mother will understand,” Brother Xing reassured him.

Eldest Young Master really knows how to protect his mother. Madam, in this regard, is more than just a bit jealous — notoriously so. But what’s it to others? After all, the General is willing to dote on her, and with the support of her son and daughter, envy and jealousy are futile.

“Eldest Young Master speaks wisely. Madam is indeed virtuous beyond measure. Everything will be taken care of by Eldest Young Master. Your subordinate will be waiting outside, ready to serve at any moment,” Zhai Mo said respectfully.

Brother Xing nodded, then pushed open the door and walked inside. Seeing his mother, sitting curled up alone on a chair with a look of confusion and helplessness, Brother Xing felt a pang of pity. He only regretted not coming earlier. Even if he couldn’t persuade her of anything, just being by Mother’s side was important.

Su Wenyue, hearing the sound of the door opening, knew someone had entered. With a slight frown, she had clearly ordered that no one was to come in, and looked over annoyed. However, when she saw a small figure, she held back the scolding she was about to express. The gloom and anger on her dissipated quite a bit, and she tried to appear as normal as possible.

“Brother Xing, you’re here? Come to Mother,” she called out softly, as if she had been worried about him all along. Su Wenyue sighed inwardly and reached out her hand towards Brother Xing…

—-

At the military camp, Han Yu arranged everything meticulously, his expression calm but his heart restless, occasionally lost in thought. Such subtle differences might be overlooked in others, but on Han Yu, they stood out, drawing Liu Xiu’s attention.

“General Xiu Qi, are you alright? Is there something bothering you? You seem restless,” Liu Xiu asked with concern. For both public and private reasons, he didn’t want any mishaps at this time. They had planned today’s strategy for a long time, and it was vital for the future course of events—absolutely crucial, leaving no room for error. Han Yu’s behavior made him uneasy.

Of course, Han Yu understood this as well, and he nodded. If not for such reasons, he would have already been racing back home, rather than lingering here anxiously. But these were not concerns he could share with Liu Xiu.

Han Yu could sense that Liu Xiu wasn’t entirely pleased with his daughter-in-law, probably because of her notoriety for jealousy. This trait especially did not sit well with Liu Xiu. Though it didn’t interfere with anything, Liu Xiu would be the future emperor. Who knew what might happen in the future? Han Yu didn’t want to create any hidden trouble for his daughter-in-law, so despite his worries, he quickly composed himself.