Rebirth of a Farming Wife

“It’s only the third day since New Year’s, where did you find these? Si Ya is just a small child with a small appetite; she won’t need so much. But it’s good to save some for Brother Xing and the others to change their flavors,” Su Wenyue said, not expecting Han Yu to be so attentive and a bit curious.

“I had someone find them in nearby villages. It did take some effort. Over at Third Child’s place, I’ve already sent a sheep. Milk is really nourishing, and I’ve asked the doctor. The doctor said drinking it every day is very beneficial for your health. You’re not allowed to be capricious and refuse to drink it.”

Understanding what Han Yu meant, Su Wenyue realized his sudden change of heart in taking care of Third House’s matters was for her. It was impossible not to be moved. Actions like these weren’t nearly as easy as words. Just after New Year, the snow was still thick outside. Furthermore, cows are generally kept by wealthier farmhouses. Only a handful of families in a village would have them, and even then, it wasn’t guaranteed that they had just calved and had milk. He probably had to visit quite a number of villages to find these two.

“I know milk is good for you, and I’ll drink it. You need to drink it too. You’ve lost weight from all the busyness these past days. Drinking a bowl in the morning and evening is good for your health. Plus, milk can make a lot of delicious things. I’ll make some for you to eat later,” Su Wenyue truly felt sorry for Han Yu. At first, her attentiveness was out of guilt towards Han Yu, as well as for the sake of her family and herself, to show a good side in front of him. Now, she genuinely cared about this man. Her heart wasn’t made of wood; she could feel everything Han Yu did for her.

“Okay, I’ll drink with you,” Han Yu readily agreed, though to tell the truth, he really didn’t like drinking that stuff. For one thing, it tasted too gamey, and as a man, he felt somewhat uncomfortable drinking it. However, as long as his wife was willing to drink it, he would gulp it down even if he had to pinch his nose shut. He was actually prepared to go to great lengths to persuade his wife to drink it, and her easy agreement took him by surprise. After all, despite its health benefits, it really was quite unpalatable.

Su Wenyue didn’t know what Han Yu was thinking, but she had already thought of many ways to prepare dairy products. Just the thought of them made her mouth water. However, since it was already late, she would have to start on them the next day. She also instructed the Small Kitchen on how to properly prepare the milk so it wouldn’t taste gamey.

The next day at breakfast, Han Yu watched his wife drink a bowl of milk without needing to coax or persuade her. He nodded contentedly, but his face involuntarily stiffened when his wife brought a large bowl of milk in front of him to drink, which Su Wenyue noticed, her heart holding back a laugh.

“Husband, drink up quickly. You yourself said milk is a great thing, especially for nourishment. You’ve been working hard lately and need to replenish. It’s really tasty!” Su Wenyue deliberately elongated her tone and snuck a sly smile, much like a little fox that had stolen a taste of fish.

Seeing his wife’s playful demeanor, Han Yu couldn’t help himself and pinched his wife’s cheeks. This little rascal dared to tease him.

Ordinarily, Su Wenyue would have protested, but at this moment, she caught onto something amusing, her eyes fixed on Han Yu, “Husband, drink quickly, it’s not as good when it’s cold. Don’t tell me you’re afraid of drinking milk. If that’s the case, I need to have a serious word with you. How can a big man like you be scared of this? What happened to the bravado you usually show me?”

After Su Wenyue finished speaking, seeing Han Yu’s slightly uncomfortable expression, she became even more delighted. Usually, it was Han Yu lecturing her, but now the tables had turned unexpectedly. There was a refreshing novelty to it, and she found it incredibly satisfying. Especially with how mildly embarrassed Han Yu appeared, Su Wenyue practically glimmered with glee.

Han Yu found his wife’s reaction amusing. He was actually just teasing her willingly; he wasn’t truly afraid of the milk. Despite truly disliking the taste, he had endured much worse in the past, even swallowing chaff and vegetables during hard times. If he could stomach that, then a bowl of milk was nothing. It was all in good fun to entertain his wife.

“Husband, you are really not behaving well, not even as well as the three little guys.” Su Wenyue was clearly poking fun at Han Yu.

Su Wenyue continued to tease Han Yu until he pulled her into his lap, “You truly are a mischief-maker, feeling so happy at the chance to laugh at me. You thought I was as delicate as you, a picky eater. I was only playing with you.”

Han Yu said this as he took the bowl with one hand and drank the milk in one breath. To his surprise, the milk actually tasted pretty good, lacking that gamey flavor he had expected. He didn’t know what was added, but along with the rich milk scent was a hint of a subtle fruit fragrance, making it quite delicious. Moreover, it was warm; drinking it in the winter gave a cozy warm feeling.

“How about it? I didn’t lie, it’s tasty, isn’t it?” Su Wenyue didn’t feel embarrassed or awkward at Han Yu’s conduct. She indeed wanted to make fun of him and though she didn’t get her way, she still enjoyed the experience. Seeing Han Yu drink the milk, she immediately made a show of her contribution.

“Indeed, it’s delicious. My wife is truly amazing.” Han Yu said and looked at Aunt Li, who was serving at the side, “This nourishing drink is good. From now on, ensure it is prepared for the Madam for all three meals, and make sure it’s not missing.”

“Understood, I will remember,” replied the old servant.

“You didn’t have to instruct her; I would have done it anyway. You don’t know, milk doesn’t just nourish the body, it also nourishes the skin. Drinking it is good for the complexion.”

Su Wenyue savored the familiar taste. There was a saying, “beauty fades and love declines,” but she had put a lot of effort into maintaining her beauty. To keep up her appearance, she had tried many remedies. The most effective was a prescription given by an old women from the palace, and milk was one of the main ingredients. Luckily, Sikong Ling was never stingy with her in terms of food, so she was able to drink a bowl every day.

Han Yu noticed that while drinking, his wife sometimes showed the same pensive expression that she used to. But lately, she rarely had such moments of distraction. He wasn’t sure what she was thinking, but he didn’t say anything, silently taking note.

Lost in thought, Su Wenyue didn’t realize Han Yu’s observant gaze until he spoke up.

“Wife, what’s on your mind? You’ve already finished the milk in the bowl and are still clinging to it. If you like it, I’ll pour you another bowl,” Han Yu said casually. Su Wenyue snapped back to reality and felt inexplicably guilty towards Han Yu.