Chapter 213 - Chapter 213: Chapter 123: Social Circle (2/2)

“I really am hungry. Whatever I eat is just digested by the child in my stomach.” Su Wenyue firmly believed her recent gluttony was due to the child.

Han Yu looked at his daughter-in-law’s unusually large stomach and felt there was some truth to it. Although her stomach was growing, she wasn’t gaining weight anywhere else; in fact, she seemed even slimmer than before. It looked as if all the food was going straight to her stomach. That was why Han Yu needed to restrict her eating—if the weight was on her body, it would be fine, but it all went to her stomach, which could make childbirth much harder.

“My daughter-in-law, I know carrying a child is uncomfortable, but we have less than two months to go. Let’s just bear with it. Once the child is born, you can eat anything you want.”

Su Wenyue gave Han Yu a look. There was no need for him to say it—she had already been looking forward to the child’s birth, for these days were difficult to endure.

Since that day, Han Yu became utterly consumed by work. Although he had always been busy, he used to spend his evenings with Su Wenyue. But now, he was gone from dawn till dusk, and sometimes he even brought strangers home to discuss matters in the study. Su Wenyue wanted to ask about it, but Han Yu would only talk briefly about unimportant things before clamming up. She knew he didn’t want her to worry, but being kept in the dark only made her more inclined to imagine things.

Yet, even if Han Yu didn’t tell her, Su Wenyue had other ways of finding out. Women also had their own social circles, sometimes even learning news faster than Han Yu received from the military camp. However, due to her pregnancy, she hadn’t been out and about for a while, so she was somewhat out of the loop.

“Grandma Chen, take my post to the Liu Family. Say that I’m bored and would like someone to talk to. If Madam Liu has the time, ask her to come over,” Su Wenyue decided, remembering she hadn’t seen Madame Liu Zhao for a while—likely due to the recent rumors making her cautious. Furthermore, with the Currency Reform affecting them, the Liu Family were evidently struggling; they were even reluctant to rent a horse carriage to give their birthday felicitations to the County magistrate’s wife in the County Town, a sign of financial difficulty. It seemed life had become harder.

Su Wenyue asked Xiao Xi to prepare some food, rice, flour, vegetables, and meat, dividing it into several portions. She also bagged some sweet potatoes, separating them as well, planning to send these to Han Yu’s subordinates later. She remembered Han Yu saying that his subordinates were having a hard time due to the Currency Reform and that the Imperial Court was delaying army provisions. Since these men were willing to follow Han Yu, it would be beneficial for him if she took care of their families—they would be even more loyal and assist Han Yu better.

As for the colleagues close to Han Yu, it wasn’t appropriate to send things over so brashly. She would have to wait for the right opportunity, lest it lead to misunderstandings, making it seem as if she looked down on them, which would only cause trouble.

Madame Liu Zhao had also been worried about household affairs, and hearing that Madame He had been turned away by Su Wenyue for asking for food did not help. Considering the state of her own home, Madame Liu Zhao had lessened her visits. But upon receiving Su Wenyue’s invitation, she knew Su Wenyue regarded her differently from others and hurriedly set off for the Han Family.

When Madame Liu Zhao arrived, Su Wenyue quickly ordered tea and pastries to be served,

“Sister-in-law, you finally came. These days, our Han Yu is so busy with who knows what, leaving at dawn and returning late. Being pregnant, I can’t go out much, leaving me bored at home. So I had to ask my sister-in-law over for a chat. I hope you don’t mind the trouble,” she said.

“What are you saying? I’d love to come over for a cup of tea. But, speaking of which, my own husband has been unbelievably busy these days as well,” Madame Liu Zhao replied.