尾行3通关图片

On the day of the County Magistrate’s wife’s birthday, Su Wenyue had arranged to go to the County Town with Madame Liu Zhao and set out early in the morning. Han Yu couldn’t get away from his duties, so he had no choice but to entrust Grandma Chen and Xiao Xi with the care of Su Wenyue and specifically sent word to her home as well. Given the Su family’s status in Xinye, Su Wenyue’s mother-in-law was most likely among the invited guests, and Han Yu hoped she would look after Su Wenyue a little extra. Su Wenyue, as the wife of an eighth-rank junior official, was probably included in the invitation due to her connection to the Su family.

Madame Liu Zhao did not have an invitation post from the County Magistrate’s wife, but it was still expected for her to go and present gifts—a customary rule not set in writing. It was only proper for those below to show respect to the superiors, and the same applied to the womenfolk.

“Lady Yue, since we’re going together this year, we don’t have to hire a horse carriage. Otherwise, it’s just another expense.” Also coming over with Madame Liu Zhao were two other women, whose husbands held minor military positions in the camp, one being Mrs. Wei Li, whose husband was of the same eighth level of martial arts as Han Yu, and another being Mrs. Yao Qin, whose husband was a genuine eighth rank. They all lived nearby and often socialized together, forming a little circle of acquaintances.

Madame Liu Zhao only found out about Su Wenyue’s background from her husband, who told her that Su Wenyue was not just an ordinary village girl but also the legitimate daughter of the old master of the Su family. No wonder she carried herself with a better air than the wives of the rich families in the city—with such a background, it was no surprise. Previously, Madame Liu Zhao had thought Su Wenyue was just a farmer’s daughter-in-law and had somewhat looked down on her. She now felt somewhat regretful about her past attitude.

“You make it sound so formal; our carriage is spacious enough to accommodate several more people comfortably, and we can chat along the way,” said Su Wenyue with a smile, understanding their predicament.

All of their husbands held positions no higher than genuine eighth rank, with a salary fixed by the Imperial Court. Relying on such a salary to live, paying for New Year festivities and the incessant giving and receiving of gifts, left them with little to spare. If not for her supportive mother’s family, Su Wenyue’s life would not be as tight, but neither would it be as leisurely as it was now. Even if Han Yu were talented, he would still need time for social climbing.

“Since everyone is here, let’s set off,” Su Wenyue said, telling Xiao Xi, “Ladies, please hold tight,” before driving the horse carriage herself. She brought out snacks and fruits prepared in advance, offering them to everyone so they could enjoy the ride. The journey, filled with laughter and conversation, passed by rather quickly.

The horse carriage stopped at the backyard of the County government when they arrived. Many others had already gathered, with numerous carriages parked around, and servants were waiting. Seeing Su Wenyue and her group arrive, they came to greet them, including one from the County government and another from the Su family, whom Su Wenyue recognized as someone familiar, possibly informed by Han Yu regarding her visit beforehand.

“Oh! Who did I think it was—turns out it’s you all. Are you here to celebrate the County Magistrate’s wife’s birthday? But really, you’ve brought such meager gifts; do you think the County Magistrate’s wife will be pleased with them? If you offend someone, don’t blame me for not warning you.”

Zhou Wang saw Su Wenyue and her group and said mockingly. Alongside her was Mrs. Chen, accompanied by her haughty servant girl in green clothes. This time too, they looked down upon Su Wenyue and her company with a cold snort.

“Whether the County Magistrate’s wife takes a liking to our gifts is for her to decide, so Zhou Madam needn’t worry about it.” Han Yu couldn’t be bothered to argue with Zhou Wang but because Zhou Wang always caused trouble without reason, she wasn’t as polite in her response. Even though Han Yu’s position was low, she wasn’t someone who would fawn over just anyone. With the Su family as her support, even the County Magistrate’s wife had to show some respect.

“A bunch of country bumpkins—why would Madam Zhou bother with them? If they embarrass themselves, that’s on them. We should keep our distance, lest we get dragged down by their antics,” said Mrs. Chen’s servant girl in green clothes, impatiently interjecting as if conversing with them was beneath Madam Zhou.

A flicker of displeasure crossed Madam Zhou’s face hearing her servant girl speak to her in such a manner, but she refrained from commenting out of respect for Mrs. Chen, who had been officially invited. She would need Mrs. Chen’s favor later to enter the party together, and she didn’t want to end up like those lesser official’s wives, queuing up to register gifts—a terribly disgraceful act.

Previously unaware of Mrs. Chen’s background, Su Wenyue had refrained from offending her, which was why she had instructed Xiao Xi to endure it. But this time, seeing the servant girl in green clothes provoke them again, and sensing Su Wenyue’s lack of objection, Xiao Xi promptly stepped forward to confront the girl.

“Whose dog is barking so rudely? Just as there are all kinds of masters, there are all kinds of disrespectful servants!”

The previous retreat of Master and Servant Su Wenyue had given Mrs. Chen and the servant girl in green clothes the wrong impression, assuming that Su Wenyue was too weak to confront them. Thus, they dared to call Su Wenyue and her group country bumpkins publically, certain they wouldn’t make a scene. Surprisingly, Xiao Xi suddenly retorted, pointing her finger at Xiao Xi and shouting, “Who has no manners? You ill-mannered country servant girl!”

“Who’s speaking so recklessly—I wonder who might lash their tongue in a gust of wind.”

“You, you!” The servant girl in green clothes wanted to say something else to Xiao Xi, but considering they were at the County government and creating a scene wouldn’t look good, she held back, fearing the County Magistrate’s wife’s disapproval. Mrs. Chen disdainfully glanced at Su Wenyue and her group, pulling her servant girl back.

“Pfft, they’re nothing but fallen nobility, acting as if they’re something special. No matter how glorious her family once was, it’s all in the past. She thinks she’s some noble lady, looking down on everyone with her nose in the air and putting on such a pretentious act—who is she trying to impress? Pah!”

Mrs. Yao Qin, known for her frankness, utterly despised Mrs. Chen and didn’t mince her words. After her biting remarks, she glanced at Su Wenyue, acknowledging to herself that this was someone of truly high birth. The Su family wasn’t just any wealthy household; they were connected to the Imperial Court. That’s why they could elevate Han Yu from a farmer to an eighth-rank position, yet Su Wenyue remained modest in her demeanor.

Madam Zhou followed Mrs. Chen towards the main entrance and noticed Su Wenyue and her companions were trailing behind. The main door and the side door were not in the same direction.

“What are you following us for? We are going through the main door to celebrate the County Magistrate’s wife’s birthday. You should be heading for the side door to queue up and register your gifts. Don’t tell me you’re thinking of sneaking in behind us?”

“Tsk! You rural bumpkins really have no shame, thinking you could sneak in by tagging along with our lady. Don’t even think about it!” The servant girl in green clothes, hearing Madam Zhou, saw that Su Wenyue and her group were indeed following behind.

Su Wenyue was somewhat speechless. Indeed, birds of a feather flock together; who would want to go in with them? She too had an invitation from the County Magistrate’s wife—and not just any invitation, but a silver-edged post, welcoming her as an honored guest.