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“It’s precisely because they sent the invitation at this time that I’m even more determined to go. Otherwise, wouldn’t it seem like we’ve lost face? Besides, I want to see what they’re really up to. Do they really think that just because my husband is away, I’ll be easy to bully?”

Su Wenyue did not heed Aunt Li’s advice. She was aware that Aunt Li was concerned for her safety regarding the Li family, but during the day, in front of so many people, the Li family wouldn’t dare do anything to her. At most, they would attack her with words, which she was not afraid of. Furthermore, the Li family’s banquet would be attended by almost all the wives of officials from the area. She not only wanted to listen for any rumors but also to make a statement.

Although Su Wenyue had not been out much these days, she was aware of the whispers behind her back, especially about Han Yu’s mission to subdue the bandits— a hot potato that no one wanted to handle. If Han Yu failed to suppress the bandits, the lightest consequence would be losing his official position. If he really went after them, considering the ferocity of the bandits and the possibility of insiders, it could mean a deathly no-return mission. Everyone might be laughing at the misfortune of the Han Family.

It wasn’t that Su Wenyue was acting out of pride and wanted to compete for face. Some things require a firm stand; too much weakness and retreat could lead others to think you can be bullied. Since Han Yu had set out on this path, there would inevitably be more such situations in the future. If she could hold her ground at home, protect herself and the children, Han Yu would be able to fight without worries.

“Madam, with the Master away fighting bandits, if something happened to you, what would become of the children? For their sake if not for anything else, could you bear to be patient for the time being?” Aunt Li obviously

“Aunt Li, I’m not attending the banquet out of momentary anger, and this isn’t a situation I can simply back down from. Even if I were to withdraw this time, they would still encroach upon us later on. Then there would be no way out, and because we showed weakness first, we would be at a disadvantage, and they would only become more aggressive.”

Aunt Li felt somewhat ashamed upon hearing Su Wenyue’s words. She realized that her own perspective had been too narrow, only considering self-preservation, which was not as far-sighted as the Madam. Although still worried, she could no longer try to dissuade the Madam from attending the banquet.

“Madam, perhaps you could bring Miss Su Lanxin and Miss Su Lanfang with you. Although they are only concubine’s daughters from the Marquis Mansion, the simple mention of ‘Marquis Mansion’ could deter many people, showing them that the Madam is not without support beyond your husband, and they wouldn’t dare to act recklessly.” Aunt Li was truly anxious, thinking of ways to lend Su Wenyue extra support.

Su Wenyue still declined Aunt Li’s suggestion. Aunt Li, after all, came from the Su Mansion and sometimes thought differently.

“No need, we will go by ourselves. Having married into the Han Family and become a Han wife, I must act from the position of the Han Family, not constantly rely on my mother’s family for everything. Unless there really is no other choice, I hope you remember that too. As for Lan Xin and Lan Fang, let them stay home to help me look after the children. Although they are young, they are ultimately the young mistresses from the Marquis Mansion, and their upbringing is unlike that of ordinary family daughters; they should be able to manage most matters.”

Lan Xin and Lan Fang’s statuses did have their uses. Su Wenyue was worried, not about being bullied at the Li Mansion, but rather that they might harm the children while she was away. Knowing the malevolence of those people—they were capable of framing Han Yu—it was not impossible. Having grown up in a large mansion, Lan Xin and Lan Fang were familiar with the schemes of the inner house, mere child’s play for them. With them looking after the children at home, Su Wenyue could rest easier. If things got tough, they could even take the children to the Su Family.

Aunt Li realized the implicit warning in Su Wenyue’s words and became more vigilant. She had been sent to the Han Family by the Su Family, but sometimes she still saw herself as a servant of the Su Family, considering issues from their standpoint, which was not appropriate. After all, she had been with the Su Family for so many years and was not used to the change. If not for the Madam’s reminder, she might not have realized it. It was necessary to thoroughly change this bad habit.

Su Wenyue was satisfied with the teachable look on Aunt Li’s face. A smart person doesn’t need everything spelled out— just a hint and they understand.

“Thank you for the reminder, Madam. These days, I simply overstepped, but I will certainly remember your teachings, Madam. I will prioritize the Han Family in everything and not make the same mistake again.”

“It’s good that you understand, and I didn’t mean to criticize you harshly. After all, the Su Family is my mother’s family too, the place where I grew up— how could I not care? However, you must know where to draw the line. Aunt Li, you’re an elder and have experienced much; now that you’ve grasped this point, undoubtedly, you will do very well.”

The next day, Su Wenyue made sure to take care of the children, instructing Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang before she set out.

“Cousin, don’t worry, we will certainly take good care of the three little guys. You should also be careful— few of those Madams and Misses are trouble-free.”

“I know. Rest assured, as long as you help me look after the three little guys, that is taking care of my worries.”

Seeing as different situations call for varying actions, she couldn’t afford to slip up at this time and provide leverage for threats against Han Yu. For safety’s sake, yesterday, Su Wenyue had someone bring Xiao Xi back from Zhuangzi and even brought along two caretakers, although most remained at home to protect her cousins and children.

Just as she was about to leave, Su Hengyi and Feng Ruolin arrived. Su Wenyue’s face brightened; it was as if she’d been handed a pillow just as she drifted off to sleep.

“Big brother and sister-in-law, what brings you here?”

“Of course, we came for you. We only found out last night that the Li Mansion had invited you to a banquet. Fearing something might go wrong, we hurried over before dawn and managed to arrive in time. Let your big brother escort you to the Li Mansion, and I will stay behind to look after your cousins and the children. That way, there won’t be any negligence, and my servant girl will accompany you, too.”

Before Su Hengyi could speak, Feng Ruolin had already explained everything. She had initially wanted to accompany Su Wenyue to the banquet herself, but as Su Hengyi, being a man, couldn’t enter the women’s quarters, she thought it might not be best for her to go. Instead, she would have her main Maid accompany Su Wenyue, ensuring her safety.