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“Seeing how the servants of Li Mansion behaved without any decorum, I had thought it was merely a problem with the servants, perhaps due to lack of proper discipline. Now, it seems that’s not the case. I’ve certainly witnessed the hospitality of Li Mansion. Since Madam Li doesn’t welcome my visit, I, Su Wenyue, have no need to shamelessly impose myself. Had it not been for the invitation sent by Madam Li, I wouldn’t have planned to come today. Xiao Xi, let’s go, we’re heading back!”

Having said this, Su Wenyue turned to leave. She had to come today mainly to let others clearly see her stance, to understand that Su Wenyue was not to be bullied or taken lightly. Now that her objective was achieved and she wasn’t welcomed, there indeed was no reason to stay.

Madam Li’s face stiffened slightly—she didn’t expect Su Wenyue to be so assertive. She didn’t believe that Mrs. Su was unaware of how Han Yu being dispatched to suppress bandits wasn’t a good job—it could mean death without return, or if he returned, it might be with loss of position and disgrace. In the future, they would surely be trampled upon by others. Now proud, Madam Su would only make her future days more difficult. What was she persisting for!

However, in front of so many people, even though Madam Li understood this, she couldn’t let Su Wenyue just walk away. Firstly, her objective of ingratiating herself with Madam Wang had yet to be achieved; secondly, if she really let Su Wenyue leave like that, wouldn’t that be admitting that Li family’s rules were lacking and that they had been neglectful as hosts? This Madam Li couldn’t tolerate. If such a reputation spread, not only would her husband blame her for mishandling the household affairs, but the old lady would also pick at her. Being the mistress of the house was indeed not that easy.

“Madam Han, please wait. I was just having such an enjoyable chat that I didn’t see you come in. Why are you suddenly so upset? You really have quite the temper,” Madam Li said, making her way towards Su Wenyue. Though her words were meant to stop Su Wenyue from leaving, they were far from flattering, implying fault on Su Wenyue’s part one way or another.

“Now that’s an intriguing remark from Madam Li. Are you suggesting I should have just stood there, waiting for you to notice a guest like me and even if I had to wait for too long, I still shouldn’t complain? That would mean I don’t have much of a temper? I must apologize for my ignorance as I’ve never heard of such reasoning. Previously, no matter whose mansion I visited, even if their family status was not very high, I never encountered such an incident. Perhaps I was a bit too temperamental just now and I hope Madam Li will be understanding, as it truly is the first time I’ve encountered such a situation.”

Su Wenyue did not get angry upon hearing Mrs. Li’s words, and with a smile that was not quite a smile, she spoke. Her words left Madam Li struggling to hide her embarrassment. Others had entered with Su Wenyue, and having seen the earlier scene and now this, they realized that Madam Su’s capability to outmaneuver others was indeed formidable. Madam Li was usually quick-witted, yet Madam Su managed to put her in a position where she was lost for words.

Although Li Bonian and Han Yu had a history of rivalry, this was the first time Madam Li had clashed with Su Wenyue directly. Through back and forth exchanges, it was apparent that Su Wenyue was an inwardly tough and formidable person. Not only hadn’t Madam Li gained the upper hand, but she had also been outmaneuvered by Mrs. Su again and again. Knowing she couldn’t get the better of her in conversation for the time being, Madam Li, a pragmatist at heart, refrained from further verbal challenges against Su Wenyue.

“Yes, yes, it was my negligence, Madam Han, please don’t be upset. Come, take a seat. Today is my birthday, and even if for nothing else, do me the honor of staying, wouldn’t you?” Knowing she couldn’t outtalk Su Wenyue, Madam Li had to show weakness to keep her there.

Upon hearing Madam Li’s words, Madam Su actually gained a bit more respect for her. If she insisted on leaving now, it would seem a bit too contentious and she might come across as lacking in grace, especially since Madam Li had already admitted her fault and shown willingness to appease.

“Well, since Madam Li has put it that way, who am I to insist on such a point?” Su Wenyue said with a laugh. Although she truly didn’t wish to stay, saving face was still necessary. She followed Madam Li towards the seats, not waiting for Madam Li to speak, and took a spot right above Madam Wang.

Madam Li’s face stiffened once again, but since Su Wenyue was already seated, and indeed had not chosen the wrong seat, she hesitated to speak further. She had initially wanted to seat Madam Su below Madam Wang, since her goal for the day was to ingratiate herself with Madam Wang, and naturally, other guests were placed according to their status. However, Madam Wang and Mrs. Su were not on the same level.

As soon as Madam Su sat down, Madam Wang’s face also stiffened, and she looked towards Madam Li with slight displeasure.

Madam Su certainly noticed Madam Wang’s reaction, blinked mischievously, and greeted her, much to Madam Wang’s irritation.

Madam Wang felt extremely uncomfortable sitting below someone of such lowly origin as Madam Su, but thinking about her father and husband’s plan, she felt a bit better, and managed to keep her composure. Su Wenyue wouldn’t be smug for long. Once Han Yu ran into trouble, Madam Su would become a widow, and with several children in tow, how pitiable she would be. She’d like to see how Su Wenyue could remain proud then!

The food prepared by the Li family today was actually quite good. In the midst of winter, they had prepared not only poultry and meats, but also a few vegetables and fruits—a rare treat given the times. Although Su Wenyue wasn’t too keen on the food, it was a waste not to eat when good food was available. After the mental and verbal effort she’d expended in dealing with the Li family, she deserved to replenish, and she did so without reservation. Despite eating eagerly, her manners remained elegant.

Madam Wang looked down on Su Wenyue’s behavior—she couldn’t help but speak out, “Madam Han, it looks like you didn’t have breakfast before coming, so hungry you appear. No wonder, with the military camp short on provisions this month, life must be quite hard.”

Rolling her eyes, Su Wenyue didn’t bother concealing her disdain from Mrs. Sun, “Madam Wang is too idle, concerning herself with whether others have had breakfast. How my family fares is not for Madam Wang to worry about. Besides, as you well know, there’s no way I’d fall into a state where there’s no food to eat, right? Telling lies with eyes wide open, what’s the point?”

Stung by Su Wenyue’s retort, Madam Wang found herself at a loss for words. The underlying message in Su Wenyue’s words pointed to the shameful incident at Su Mansion—we all know how humiliating such things are, yet you deliberately poke at my sore spot. And she couldn’t very well counter with what she wanted to say; otherwise, if Su Wenyue brought up that incident, she would be left with no dignity at all.

“Which family’s daughter-in-law is this, with such a bold attitude!”

The commanding voice: Just as Madam Su thought she’d have a moment of peace after silencing Madam Wang, someone else interjected, who had not been in the conversation long. Looking towards the source of the voice,