Mrs. Liu had no idea who the person in question was, nor did she understand all the intricacies involved; she had simply heard it from Mrs. Wang. As a result, when Su Wenyue questioned her like this, Mrs. Liu became somewhat tongue-tied and subconsciously glanced towards Mrs. Wang.
What a fool, she can't even handle such a small matter! Mrs. Wang was feeling frustrated inside. Although she did not wish to offend Su Wenyue, who had powerful connections with her mother's family, she also knew that even if she kept silent, Mrs. Liu would still give her away. Besides, she had no desire to see Su Wenyue get off so easily.
She had thoroughly investigated and was certain that Su Wenyue's needlework was indeed subpar. Although the breakfast Su Wenyue prepared that morning was decent, it was just a simple breakfast after all. Given the many skilled cooks in the Su Family, if Su Wenyue had put in the effort, achieving that level of cooking wouldn't have been too difficult. But needlework wasn't as simple; it took practice to perfect, and it couldn't be mastered overnight. Moreover, she had evidence in her hands.
"Why do you need to be so aggressive, Fourth younger sister-in-law? Sister-in-law refrained from speaking out not because she wanted to hide, but because she didn't want the source of the rumor to lose their livelihood on her account. Coming from a wealthy family background, you naturally fail to understand the hardships us poor people endure. The wages we earn are the lifeline for many households, and there's no smoke without fire. These rumors must stem from somewhere. If your conduct is honorable, why fear a crooked shadow? This defensive reaction of yours only makes you seem guilty."
Although Mrs. Wang spoke tactfully, every word and sentence pointed out Su Wenyue's alleged faults, painting her as a young rich lady who was oblivious to the suffering of others and indifferent to their fates. She ingeniously played on the sympathetic and understanding nature of Old Man Han and Mrs. Han Yang, who, as common peasant folk and, in a sense, also poor people, naturally sided with her.
True to Mrs. Wang's expectation, upon hearing her words, Old Man Han and Mrs. Han Yang, who initially wanted to inquire about the identity of the informant from Mrs. Liu, now remained silent. They did not want to risk causing the person to lose their job, especially considering that the Third Daughter-in-law had a point: no smoke without fire. If there was no truth to the complaints about the Fourth Daughter-in-law, the gossip would never have arisen.
Su Wenyue had just entered the Han Family and wasn't eager to fall out with Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang so soon. However, they were pushing her too hard at every turn, antagonizing her. If she really backed down, not to mention failing to win any favor from her Father-in-law and Mother-in-law and leaving a bad impression, Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang, having got the upper hand, would likely become even more domineering in the future, thinking she was an easy target.
Han Yu was not one of those simple and ignorant farmers; although he usually refrained from getting involved in household affairs, he was well aware of what kind of person the Third Sister-in-law was. Just as he was about to speak up in Su Wenyue's defense, she had already spoken up, her face carrying a hint of sarcasm and disdain.
"Oh? So by Third Sister-in-law's words, those servants who stir up trouble, who forget the kindness of their masters and spread rumors wildly, are doing the right thing? That's laughable! This is the first time I've heard such reasoning. Where do rituals and decorum stand then? Without rules, there is no square or circle. Even if we're not a wealthy family, let's talk about our own family. Is it right for the Third Sister-in-law to spread rumors and slander her own younger sister-in-law during the tea ceremony? Is this appropriate behavior?"
Speaking her piece, Su Wenyue then knelt down towards Old Man Han and Mrs. Han Yang: "Father, Mother, I beg you to speak for me, to say a word of fairness! As a daughter-in-law, I have not done anything to wrong the Han Family since marrying in. It is true that I may have been pampered by my parents at home, but since entering the Han family, I have devoted myself wholeheartedly to fulfilling my duties as a daughter-in-law. I may not claim to be the best, but I certainly don't fall short in comparison to others. Why then have I been portrayed so negatively by the Third Sister-in-law? Even the slightest needle and thread work that I've personally done for Father and Mother has been turned into an issue by my Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law. Could it be that the Han Family does not welcome me as a daughter-in-law, thus intentionally making things difficult for me?"
"If the Han Family really regards my family background or some rumors as an issue and is unhappy with this marriage, it should have been made clear earlier. The Su Family, although committed to keeping promises, would never allow their daughter to marry into the Han Family solely on the basis of an agreement. Even now, as a daughter-in-law who has married into the family, if the Han Family truly does not wish to accept me, I am willing to request a separation and immediately return to the Su Family with my dowry, so as not to be humiliated and treated with disdain!"
Su Wenyue's words were harsh. To say that the Han Family did not welcome her was only true in the case of Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang—the others had so far treated her quite well, and Mrs. Han Yang, the Mother-in-law, had shown significant favor towards her. This was why Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang felt uncomfortable and conspired against her.
Yet, Su Wenyue had her own considerations. After all, her family background was different from that of the Han Family. It wasn't that poor people inherently resented the rich, but people generally prefer to see things from their own perspective. For instance, Mrs. Wang previously used the sympathy that Old Man Han and Mrs. Han Yang felt towards the disloyal servant to put Su Wenyue at a disadvantage. If Su Wenyue didn't make the Old Man Han and Mrs. Han Yang understand her position from the start, she would be at a disadvantage if a similar situation were to arise in the future, a scenario Su Wenyue adamantly refused to allow.
Her forceful statement stunned Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang, who had not expected Su Wenyue to be so resolute. Old Man Han and Mrs. Han Yang's expressions changed drastically. How could they not want such a match? They were initially concerned that the Su Family, being of a higher status, would renege on the marriage proposal. They were relieved when the Su Family kept their word and actually agreed to the alliance. They were more than happy to promise that they would treat Su Wenyue as their own daughter, especially given her commendable behavior since she joined the household, better than any of the previous daughters-in-law.
"Fourth Daughter-in-law, what are you talking about? Our Han Family naturally welcomes you with open arms. Where would we find such a good daughter-in-law like you? I, the old lady, even declared in front of many villagers that I would treat you as my own daughter. Please don't overthink it. Today's altercation was the fault of your Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law. I will have them apologize to you afterward. But please, don't bring up the matter of separation again. Such talk wounds the heart, ah!"
Having said her piece, Old Man Han also spoke up: "Yes, the words of your Mother-in-law are true, Fourth Daughter-in-law. Let me be clear in front of everyone today: you are the most treasured daughter-in-law in our Han Family, and no one is allowed to give you trouble. Otherwise, I, the Old Man, will be the first to disagree!"
Old Man Han was usually timid and agreeable, which meant many household decisions were made by Mrs. Han Yang. However, such a man is not without temper or limits, and Old Man Han always cared greatly for his pride.
Besides, Old Man Han had previously made promises to the Su Family, and along with his partner, assured them that they would take good care of their daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Su had treated him with much courtesy. High and mighty in the eyes of the people for miles around, they greeted him warmly without showing any disdain for his farmer status,