BXBX NOVEL Chapter 92: Frustrating
“This year’s birthday packages are even better than before, Jin Cai’s wife is becoming quite skillful.” Mrs. Han Wang, after enjoying a few birthday packages, was in a great mood and spoke with a cheerful smile, the harsh tone from before nowhere in sight.
Old Man Han’s original name was Han Jincai, and although Mrs. Han Wang was slightly younger, she was Han Jinhu’s stepwife, hence she addressed Mrs. Yang as Jin Cai’s wife.
The Han family members made birthday packages themselves but had hardly indulged in eating them; they hadn’t even delivered them to the kitchen before Mrs. Han Wang had snatched a few. Fortunately, they had made plenty, so a few missing wouldn’t be a problem. Otherwise, the people from the Main House would surely have something to say about it. Yet, even though it was somewhat unsettling, the Han family members knew the character of those from the Main House all too well, including their habits. Nobody said anything, nor did they show any dissatisfaction. As long as the people from the Main House didn’t cause trouble, they were content to simply get through Grandma Han’s birthday in peace.
“Jinhu’s wife, you gluttonous lazybones, I as the old lady haven’t even tasted one birthday package, and there you are, gobbling them down. Tell me, other than eating, what else are you good for?”
Mrs. Han Wang had not yet completely swallowed the birthday packages in her mouth when Grandma Han started to berate her loudly, making it clear that Mrs. Han Wang was out of luck. She had hoped to sneak a few while the others from the Main House were unaware. Since she believed the people from the Second House wouldn’t dare to complain, it was quite unfortunate for her to be caught by her mother-in-law.
However, even when caught by the old lady, Mrs. Han Wang didn’t panic. Even if the mother-in-law got angry, she would at most scold her a bit. After all, she had given birth to two sons for the Han family and was considered a hero in their home. Her position in the family was secure, and a few harsh words wouldn’t affect her. Besides, the food was already in her stomach; it wasn’t as if she could spit it out.
“Mother-in-law, I was truly hungry. And I only ate one or two; it really doesn’t affect anything. It won’t make the home go poor, nothing serious,” she replied.
To talk back after being caught snacking! Incensed, Grandma Han pointed her finger angrily at Mrs. Han Wang, yet she could not really do anything to her. She could only fume, “You lazybones who only knows how to eat, hurry up and get to work in the kitchen. If you delay today’s noontime preparations, see if I will let you off easy!”
After Grandma Han finished scolding Mrs. Han Wang, she turned her wrath toward the people from the Second House, her tone even more unkind, “Are you all dead standing there? What are you waiting for? Get to work. Do you really see yourselves as guests waiting for this old lady to serve you? A bunch of lazy goods, good-for-nothings, just looking at you makes me frustrated!”
Su Wenyue truly experienced the attitude of Grandma Han and the people from the Main House for the first time as she was scolded for no reason. Supposedly coming to offer birthday wishes, she realized she was just being made to work like a servant by the people from the Main House.
Having long been accustomed to the old lady’s behavior, everyone from the Second House, except Su Wenyue, went automatically to work in the kitchen, knowing full well that the old lady would otherwise make an even bigger scene.
Han Yu, seeing his wife a bit dazed, quickly led her away. This wasn’t like being at home where Mrs. Yang, his birth mother, would consider his feelings and wouldn’t make things too difficult for his wife. Besides, she was quite satisfied with this daughter-in-law. But Grandma Han was different. She was actually their real grandmother, and under the heavy expectation of filial piety, even if he had a multitude of schemes, they might not suffice. Even if he could settle scores later, the grievances his wife suffered couldn’t be undone—and at this moment, Han Yu didn’t want his wife to suffer any grievances at all.
It was only then Grandma Han noticed a new, young daughter-in-law among the people from the Second House, accompanied by a servant girl—and shockingly, dressed no less opulently than a noblewoman from the County Town.
Remembering a conversation with the Old Ladies days ago, where they had been full of envy, it was mentioned how her Second House grandson had married a Miss from a wealthy family, suggesting that the Han Family was on the rise. She hadn’t taken it seriously at the time, thinking that the Second House deserved nothing better than a life toiling in the fields. How could they ever marry a Miss from a rich family? Assuming the Old Ladies were mistaken, she now saw there might be some truth in it. The young daughter-in-law didn’t just wear silk and satin, but the servant girl was also dressed better than most. This year, the people from the Second House looked more respectable than in previous years, seemingly all in new clothes.
The Second House had always been looked down upon by the old lady and the people from the Main House, but this year, things had changed. The Fourth Daughter-in-law had not only made new clothes for her father-in-law and mother-in-law but also obtained fine cotton for every member of the family. Having new clothes, they naturally wore their best to come, showing the Main House people they were not the same as before. She remembered how Second Brother had come over one time wearing patched clothes, only to be ridiculed by the Main House as a beggar.
Su Wenyue shared a similar sentiment. At home, she wore ordinary cotton clothes so as not to stand out too much, but today, on her visit to the Main House, she intentionally wore her finest attire. Clothes make the person; with the clothes on, her demeanor became different. Moreover, her recent change in disposition added an extra layer of authority, preventing the Main House from looking down on her.
“Is this Yuer’s wife?” Grandma Han wasn’t close to any of her grandsons from the Second House, but her memory of Han Yu was the strongest, as this grandson always had an imposing air that sent chills down her spine.
“Mother, this is Yuer’s wife, Mrs. Su. Their marriage was arranged when Father was still alive. She came to our home this February, and before Yuer’s wedding, I specially reported the happy news to both Mother and Big Brother. Fourth Daughter-in-law, give your Grandma a proper greeting,” Old Man Han said, though he felt chilly toward his own mother’s actions. But after all, she was his birth mother, and this fact could not be erased.
Since Father-in-law spoke, Su Wenyue wouldn’t fail to show respect. She greeted Grandma Han of the Main House with proper decorum and grace, which only confirmed to Grandma Han the reality of this granddaughter-in-law’s exceptional background, changing her view of Su Wenyue.
In the end, the old lady was someone who judged people based on their status. Otherwise, she wouldn’t treat her sons so differently, preferring the one in the City over the one in the countryside, all because the Main House could stay in the City, allowing her to maintain her city-dweller status.
“Yuer is so lucky to have married such a fine wife, not to mention the good family background, and she is so attractive and spirited,” Grandma Han suddenly changed her usual attitude toward the Second House’s people, lavishing praise on Su Wenyue with a kind and benevolent air. This sudden shift was quite astounding and, upon reflection, understandably based on the impressive background of the Fourth Daughter-in-law, earning her a different level of respect.
“Grandma, you flatter me too much. My granddaughter-in-law is not as remarkable as you say. It’s getting late, and she needs to help out in the kitchen. We can keep you company another day,” Su Wenyue replied cheerfully.
“What kitchen work? The house isn’t lacking people for chores, there is no need for you. Come and keep Grandma company for a chat.”