Rebirth of a Farming Wife

His words were already laced with a decided tone. Seeing that his wife wanted to say something, he added, “The prefecture is far, and if we travel as leisurely as today, I’m afraid we won’t arrive until evening. Visiting houses will take a whole day, and then it’s another day’s journey back. A round trip will end up consuming three days, which would be a delay. And your health won’t endure such toil. You’ve only just recovered a little. Also, wouldn’t you feel uneasy leaving the three little guys at home for three days? I’ll ride early tomorrow, and by no later than noon, I’ll be there. Just enough time to look at the houses and return.”

Su Wenyue listened to Han Yu, and indeed his reasoning was sound. But since it was their first time buying a house, she really wanted to see it herself to make sure it matched her preferences, as they would live there for a considerable amount of time.

Han Yu seemed to notice Su Wenyue’s thoughts, “Just tell me what your requirements for the house are, and I will select based on those. There’s no need for you to make the trip personally. Don’t you trust me to handle things?”

Only then did Su Wenyue nod, knowing there indeed was nothing to worry about with Han Yu taking care of things, “Alright, this task is yours then. The house should ideally be larger since our family is big, and it’s likely we might add more people later. I had Aunt Li visit the tooth shop before, but she didn’t pick many people. I heard a good batch is expecting to arrive before New Year, and if there are those with skills, I intend to purchase them.

Moreover, it would be best to choose a quiet spot amidst the hustle and bustle. If there’s some land where we can grow our usual fruit and vegetables, that would be great for self-sufficiency, so we don’t need to trouble ourselves with deliveries from Zhuangzi. However, it shouldn’t be too far from the main street for convenience of leaving the house.

And preferably…”

Su Wenyue rambled on about many things, and Han Yu listened carefully without showing any impatience. Purchasing a house was a long-term decision, so naturally, he wanted to buy one that met his wife’s satisfaction. Her requirements seemed many, but were not difficult to meet. As long as the location was right, these demands could be fulfilled.

“Alright, I’ve taken note of all you’ve said. When I look at the houses tomorrow, I’ll pick according to your wishes. If something’s not suitable, I’ll look at more houses. If this causes a delay, I’ll return the day after. Don’t worry while you’re at home.”

“That works. There’s no rush to decide in the next couple of days. We’ll wait if necessary, a house isn’t like other purchases; we should choose a good one. Hasty decisions might not yield a suitable choice. If nothing works out, my mother’s family also has a house in the prefecture. We could stay there first and move in when we find the right one.”

An Family watched her daughter and son-in-law consulting each other, feeling reassured and happy to see her son-in-law being so patient and indulgent towards her daughter, confirming her father-in-law and husband’s foresight. If her daughter had married into one of those high-status families, forget the rest, where would she have found such ease and comfort? Besides, her son-in-law was capable and surely would not be outmatched by those young men from high-status families in the future. Moreover, he had been promoted twice in the military camp in a short time. But she wondered if, once her son-in-law rose to prominence, he would continue to treat her daughter as well.

“Mother, we should get going,” Su Wenyue said, originally planning to wait for her father and elder brother but noticing that it was getting late.

“Alright, head back early. It’s cold, and it gets worse at night. I’ve asked the servants to add an extra warm basin in the horse carriage, so it should be warmer inside.”

“My mother is always the best to me,” Su Wenyue said with a giggle.

“I am your mother, of course I’m good to you, you ungrateful little thing,” An Family tapped Su Wenyue’s forehead. Ever since her marriage, her daughter had become even sweeter in speech, like each word was dipped in honey. Who did not like to hear compliments?

“Son-in-law, I leave this thoughtless daughter of mine in your care most of the time. If she acts up or behaves badly, feel free to discipline her. Don’t just indulge her in everything, or her spoiled behavior will shoot sky-high,” An Family was also concerned that her daughter’s impetuousness might grow out of hand, potentially harming the marital relationship. An Family knew her daughter’s character too well from her time at home. Now that she was married, she seemed more sensible, but An Family did not believe her daughter could completely change her spoiled nature. It was just a matter of restraint in front of others, which was why she was adamant with her advice.

“Mother, what are you talking about? I was just saying how kind you are, and now you’re destroying my image. When have I been thoughtless?” Su Wenyue pouted, and lifting her eyes, she met Han Yu’s deeply meaningful smile, glaring at him in mock annoyance, inadvertently proving her mother’s words.

“Mother-in-law, rest assured, Yueyue is a bit headstrong on occasion but still very sensible and well-behaved. She’s also an exemplary wife and mother. Marrying such a wonderful wife is the fortune of my life, and I cannot help but cherish and dote on her,” Han Yu said with undisguised indulgence and affection.

An Family had uttered those words in passing, without really expecting the son-in-law to discipline her daughter. Seeing Han Yu’s response, she felt nothing but satisfaction, “Son-in-law, you’re very busy with your duties, but you must also take care of your health. Especially in the military camp, with your tiresome work, don’t exhaust yourself. No matter how important the duties are outside, they don’t outweigh your own well-being. Plus, you’re still young; there’s no shortage of opportunities to make a name for yourself.”

“I’ll remember your advice, Mother-in-law,” Han Yu replied earnestly.

As Su Wenyue and Han Yu took their leave, An Family escorted them to the gate, laden with earnest warnings, unable to let go of her concerns.

“Mother, please go back inside, it’s so cold out. Don’t catch a chill. Don’t worry, I remember all that you’ve said,” Su Wenyue initially didn’t want her mother to see them off in the cold, but she knew her mother’s temperament and hurried her at the door.

Upon the horse carriage, Su Wenyue felt a sense of fatigue. She had traveled all morning, with no rest at noon, and leaned lazily against Han Yu.

“Tired? Rest against me for a while,” Han Yu offered, cradling Su Wenyue in his arms as she leaned onto him, and she soon fell asleep. Outside, unbeknownst to them, a heavy snow began to drift serenely down.