Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Remembering her mother’s family, Su Wenyue had been sending few letters over the past year in the name of safety for both herself and her family. The few she sent via Han Yu were filled with her parents’ and elder brother’s worries and care, anxious that she might be suffering. Reflecting on it, whether in her previous life or this, she had always caused worry for her parents and elder brother.

“Husband, I’m thinking of visiting my mother’s family in a couple of days. It’s been over a year since I have seen them. I wonder if father, mother and the brothers are all well?” Su Wenyue discussed with Han Yu, not certain of the situation outside. She didn’t want to add to Han Yu’s troubles and, without his consent, she couldn’t leave. After more than a year apart, Han Yu’s affection and care for her hadn’t changed, though his demeanor had, taking on a more assertive air with decisions that brooked no questioning.

While Su Wenyue had some reservations about Han Yu’s assertiveness, she knew it was for her benefit. With the change in his social status, adjustments were bound to happen, and she had to learn to adapt. Besides, she had resolved not to live her life solely depending on a man, even though most women of this era did so. The success of Noble Consort Li offered her a different perspective: women could also earn their status through their own efforts. Even though Noble Consort Li met a grim fate in her previous life due to her excessive ambition and blind pursuit of power, it didn’t clash with Su Wenyue’s own beliefs.

However, Su Wenyue kept these thoughts to herself, for they were but ideas at this stage, and nothing was realized yet. She would speak more once she had concrete plans.

“It is indeed time for a visit to your wife’s parents’ home. They must miss you after such a long absence. A few days ago, they sent someone to ask when I would bring you back. It so happens I’m free the day after tomorrow, so how about I accompany you to your mother’s family?” Han Yu knew that he had been confining his wife a little too strictly. Out of concern for her safety and fearing her backlash, along with his guilt, if she had any requests that were achievable, he would naturally want to fulfil them, especially for something as straightforward as a visit to her mother’s family.

Over a year ago, once Han Yu’s letter arrived, the Su Family had already moved back to the countryside. The reunion with family was bound to be particularly excited and joyous, though unfortunately, the three children hadn’t been brought back, which was a slight disappointment for everyone.

After lunch, Su Wenyue planned to arrange for Han Yu to rest. Although his injuries had healed considerably, he shouldn’t overexert himself for too long.

Having taken care of Han Yu, Su Wenyue went to the study room to discuss her thoughts and plans with her father and elder brother.

“Father, Elder Brother, Husband’s status and social standing have increased greatly now, and though he treats me with great affection, I do not wish to rely entirely on another person. I must have my own support, so that if any unforeseen events should occur in the future, I’m not left utterly passive and miserable.” Su Wenyue didn’t distrust Han Yu, but trust was one thing and securing a fallback for herself after experiencing the events of her previous life was another. Recently, she felt Han Yu’s assertiveness growing even stronger.

Master Su and his sons, Su Hengyi, felt a pang of sorrow upon hearing Su Wenyue speak like this. Rumors of Han Yu keeping other women had caused an uproar anywhere, and although they knew them to be false, merely to mislead others, Lady Yue also suffered greatly, particularly when she was unaware at first. Coupled with the separation over the past year, such thoughts weighed heavily on her and that might have prompted her current words. However, while they might feel sorry for her, they were pleased to see her personal growth.

“Yueyue, rest assured, whatever ideas you have, your brother and I support you.” Both Master Su and Su Hengyi were open-minded, and seeing the reasonable nature of Su Wenyue’s words, compounded with their sympathy for her, they had no qualms in agreeing.

Facing her relatives, who were utterly devoted to her welfare, Su Wenyue felt it somewhat insincere to voice thankfulness. After all, there was no need for such formalities between father, daughter, and siblings, so she went on to discuss serious matters: “He who is destined for great fortune is following that one. Han Yu has already pledged his allegiance to follow suit. Since we have foreknowledge and the advantage, why not do the same? Even if we do not become marquesses or prime ministers, our devotion could at least assure a lifetime of glory for the Su Family, seeing that he values loyalty and gratitude.”

Having finished, Su Wenyue saw the complex expressions on her father and elder brother’s faces, knowing their internal struggle was about what she had suggested: “Father, big brother, second brother, I understand your concerns, our family’s ancestral teachings dictate that our Second House should not engage in politics, thus providing a safeguard for our family. But in today’s world, adhering rigidly to ancient teachings is meaningless, leading only to the family’s decline. Besides, our eldest uncle and others are having a difficult time finding better opportunities in Chang’an. If we follow him, perhaps it could turn out to be the best future path for our family.”

While both Master Su and the Su brothers cherished Su Wenyue, if these were business matters, they would help to the best of their abilities. However, when it came to the core and the future of the Su family lineage, it wasn’t a decision they could make based on personal preferences, as it could determine the survival of their whole family.

They hadn’t expected Su Wenyue to make such a suggestion out of the blue. Her words were a significant departure from their long-held beliefs and practices, and the shock they felt was considerable. However, out of love for Su Wenyue, none of them outright rejected the idea but began to weigh its feasibility instead.

Su Wenyue knew the place the family rules held in her father and elder brother’s hearts, yet she believed they were not dogmatic men and understood what was best for the Su family. She continued to persuade them: “Father, big brother, you are the pride of our family, willing to compromise your own desires for the development of the family, upholding our family rules without complaint. But have you ever considered what our ancestors truly intended when they established these guidelines? Is this blind adherence to tradition really what our ancestors would wish to see?”