Chapter 185 - Chapter 185: Chapter 185: Distant Water, Close Fire (2/2)
“How could you say that, Madam Han? I’m not that sort of opportunist, to fawn over those with advantages and hide from those without, to kick others when they’re down – that’s what nasty people do. I felt an immediate connection with Madam Han, and I greatly admire you. And today, I came to see if there’s anything I could help with,” Madam Zhou said.
“Ah, so Mrs. Zhou is here to offer help. But recently, Our family has been doing quite well; there’s nothing that requires Mrs. Zhou’s assistance. I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint your kind intentions.”
Madam Zhou had planned everything nicely, but Su Wenyue wasn’t playing along. She was left wondering how to proceed when anyone else might have felt awkward. Madam Zhou, being a shrewd woman, quickly figured out a way to respond.
“You speak too modestly, Madam Han. I’ve heard about your issues with the magistrate’s wife and Madam Wang, and to put it frankly, I really admire your integrity, how you dared to refuse the magistrate’s wife. That’s not something ordinary people can do. However, admiration aside, there’s no denying that the magistrate’s wife and Madam Wang are not the forgiving types. Having offended them, I’m afraid you might face trouble, so we ought to find a way to smooth things over,” Madam Zhou suggested with added urgency.
Su Wenyue raised an eyebrow: “From your words, Mrs. Zhou, it seems you have a solution?”
“Of course, I wouldn’t have come all this way otherwise. I’ve been so worried these past two days I’ve hardly slept, but after much thought, I finally found a solution. However, it requires Madam Han to set aside her pride and cooperate.”
“Let’s hear it, then.”
“My thought is for me to act as an intermediary. You would apologize to Madam Wang and admit your mistake, which I will try to smooth over with her too, to have her let bygones be bygones and move on.” As Madam Zhou spoke and saw Su Wenyue’s expression turn cold, she quickly added.
“I know your mother’s family has influence, and I’ve heard all the talk. But power from afar can’t quench an immediate fire, and if something serious happens, by the time word reaches the Capital City, the day lily flowers will have gone cold. Remember, the general magistrate governs our region, and we all live here and interact daily, so being at loggerheads won’t help…”
Madam Zhou was fervently trying to persuade Su Wenyue to follow her plan, but Su Wenyue saw right through it. Madam Zhou was playing mediator to curry favor with both sides.
“Grandma Chen, show her out!” Su Wenyue had expected some news from Madam Zhou, but without waiting for her to finish, she issued an order to dismiss the guest.
Madam Zhou left the Han Family in a most embarrassed state, her face unable to maintain its usual composure. She could not fathom why Su Wenyue had been so ruthless as to have a servant send her away. This ungrateful Su Wenyue, since she wouldn’t heed her advice, let her wait and see how things turn sour. Really, she thought she could do as she pleased just because of her supposed connections in the Capital City!
Madam Zhou, fuming with rage, didn’t return home but went directly to the Wang family, determined to make sure Su Wenyue understood the consequences of crossing her, knowing anyone who did never ended well.
“Madam, this Mrs. Wang is narrow-minded and likes to play tricks. Aren’t you afraid that she’ll do something underhanded after being offended so severely this time?”