Chapter 376 - Chapter 376: Chapter 383: What’s the Purpose (2/2)
The housekeeper took the order and immediately rode to the farmhouse to make arrangements. Su Wenyue and the others followed in the carriage. By the time they arrived, the people of the house had come out to greet them, showing them warm hospitality.
But something seemed off to Su Wenyue. The couple looked normal in appearance and attire, but she sensed something amiss, as if lacking something. She hesitated. If it were just her, it would be one thing, but she had three children with her. Despite being surrounded by so many people, she still felt it wasn’t quite safe to take a risk with the children, especially at such a critical moment.
Aunt Li and the nannies were following Su Wenyue with the children, and Qi Luo was by Su Wenyue’s side, closely guarding her. When Su Wenyue stopped, they all stopped as well. Qi Luo, noticing Su Wenyue’s behavior, also slightly furrowed her brows, seemingly sensing something improper.
“Madam, please come inside and sit. We’re just a low-status civilian family, our place is very modest. Please don’t scorn us, Madam. We’ve already prepared tea, please come in and rest your legs,” the woman said, appearing a bit anxious as Su Wenyue remained at the door without entering. Although she didn’t show it on her face, Su Wenyue picked up on the woman’s subtle movements.
“Are you the farmers here?” Su Wenyue asked casually, with a hint of disdain showing the attitude of a lady of status. Internally, she was on high alert, signaling Qi Luo with her eyes to protect the children.
“Yes, we commoners have lived here all along. It’s rare to see important people like yourself. It’s our great honor to have Madam visit our humble home,” the man replied eagerly, with a fawning attitude, showing no signs of nervousness, which was somewhat surprising. Su Wenyue had encountered farmers before, like back in Xinluo Town when she was just the Deputy Lieutenant’s wife. Those farmers would be nervous and restrained in her presence. And now, her status was much higher than before. Whether in dress or entourage, everything was more grandiose than before.
That was it; Su Wenyue realized what was wrong. These farmers didn’t look like ordinary farmers. Normally, farmers, upon meeting officials, no matter the official’s rank, would genuinely be fearful, displaying an extremely cautious demeanor, unlike this couple, who were so composed. Unless it was out of ignorance, it had to be a lack of fear. Clearly not the brightest looking couple, they must belong to the latter category. Moreover, their hands were wrong – too clean, not at all like those of typically hardworking farmers.
Sensing a problem, Su Wenyue became even less hurried and began to speculate about the identity of this farmhouse family. Who were they, and what was their purpose? Was it to capture her and the children as a threat to Han Yu, or something else?
“Never mind, I won’t go in after all. The house looks dismal, and there’s an odd smell inside that I really can’t stand. I’ll go back to the carriage. It seems that they are also nearly done dealing with it over there,” Su Wenyue said, preparing to walk back. The bodyguards from the mansion, receiving Su Wenyue’s hint, were on alert and guarded her.
“Madam, wait!” Seeing Su Wenyue start to walk back, the farmhouse couple became desperate and quickly followed, trying to stop Su Wenyue. This reaction made it clear to everyone that the couple was suspicious, as they formed a protective circle around Su Wenyue and the children.
The housekeeper stood in front of the couple, rebuking them loudly, “Who exactly are you people, and what is your intention in blocking the Madam? Speak quickly, or don’t blame me for being impolite!”
The couple realized they had been too hasty, but if Su Wenyue didn’t enter the house, their mission would fail, and they would have to answer to their master.
“Tell me, who are you really?” The housekeeper, now surrounded by several bodyguards, had encircled the couple.
Exchanging a glance and considering their options, the couple hesitated, scanned the surroundings, then seemed to decide something and took an object out of their clothes. The housekeeper tensed, fully prepared for any trickery from the couple.