Chapter 268 - Chapter 268: Chapter 276: Arrogant because of Wealth (1/2)
Chapter 268: Chapter 276: Arrogant because of Wealth
When Madam Liu Zhao arrived, Su Wenyue had just sent away several silversmiths, one of whom she recognized as having previously crafted jewelry at that silver store. She couldn’t help but take a few more glances.
“Sister-in-law, you’re here! Haven’t seen you for a few days,” Su Wenyue said with a laugh. “You’re looking radiant; is something good happening? Do tell.”
“Having my man come back safely is indeed a good thing. Whenever he goes out on those dangerous tasks, I’m always worried sick, especially this time. He was framed by those sinister jerks, fighting those ferocious bandits. He’s only just returned after so many days. My heart was in my throat the whole time, but now, finally, he’s come back safe and sound.”
“Isn’t that the truth! I was worried about Han Yu too while he was away, but at least he’s back now, always so busy that he’s hardly ever in sight. Men are all the same. They never consider how we worry for them back home,” Su Wenyue complained a bit, but it was more to carry on the conversation than out of any real resentment. She understood that at their age, men should be striving to advance their careers, not sitting idle at home—that would be irresponsible. They couldn’t be expected to spend all their time at home, so as wives, they just had to be understanding.
“What can we do? Once our men join the military camp, their lives are no longer their own. And with the world in such disarray, war would mean even greater danger. All we can do is offer more prayers and beseech the Bodhisattva to keep our men safe,” Madam Liu Zhao said, a worried look on her face. Everyone longed for a peaceful and prosperous era, a time when commoners could have a better life. Now there was turmoil both inside and outside the Imperial Court—it was only a matter of time until chaos erupted, and even commoners could see it.
Speaking of offering prayers to the Bodhisattva, Su Wenyue was reminded of the promise she made to Feng Susu. She had said she would pray at Lingyin Temple for the safety of Feng Susu’s husband. Now that Han Yu was back, it was time to keep her promise. After agreeing on a date with Madam Liu Zhao, she sent someone to inform Feng Susu about visiting Lingyin Temple the day after tomorrow.
Feng Susu had been thinking about this matter but didn’t feel right bringing it up with Su Wenyue. She didn’t expect Su Wenyue to be so concerned and repeatedly agreed, feeling even more grateful.
As Madam Liu Zhao and Su Wenyue talked, they also mentioned the silversmith they met earlier. This time, Liu Zhao’s family had received a fair share of spoils from the bandit suppression, and they didn’t have to live as tightly as before for a while.
“Lady Yue, I saw that master from the silver store earlier. Are you going to have some jewelry made?” It wasn’t a secret, so Madam Liu Zhao asked casually.
“Yes, I want to have a few sets made. The craftsmanship of the silversmiths in the county town is too poor, so I had no choice but to ask them to bring someone from the city. Would you like to have some made as well?”
“No, no. With the way things are, life is hard enough. You know my family’s situation—we don’t have spare money for such things. Although Liu Cong brought back a lot this time, we still need to save wherever we can. Besides, I just had a set made not too long ago and don’t need another. However, that old master you mentioned, I know of his skillful work. Many wealthy ladies and madams in Yiyang Prefecture commission their jewelry from him. He’s sure to do a great job, but it must be difficult to get someone like him, isn’t it?”