Chapter 183 - Chapter 183: Chapter 183: Shallow Foundation (2/2)

The Magistrate’s wife didn’t expect that Su Wenyue would refuse to even give her face, using her pregnancy as an excuse. She intended to vex Su Wenyue deliberately, which is why she’d summoned Su Wenyue under the guise of a banquet. She didn’t expect that Su Wenyue, the wife of a mere Deputy Lieutenant, would dare to reject her—an act of sheer disrespect. Mrs. Wang Sun had been right—Mrs. Su was too arrogant.

“Mother, just as I said, that Mrs. Su is no dim lamp and far too arrogant. Even if she slighted me, well, my husband is but a Genuine Eighth Rank official, a notch below Lord Han in rank—her disdain might be tolerated. But you are the esteemed Magistrate’s wife, and she dares to behave like that, truly disregarding others,” Mrs. Wang Sun fanned the flames in front of the Magistrate’s wife.

Hearing that Mrs. Su dared to turn down her invitation, the Magistrate’s wife was already in a foul mood—now, after hearing Mrs. Wang Sun’s words, her view of Su Wenyue soured completely. She thought about how to discipline Su Wenyue, to avenge her daughter and reclaim her own dignity.

“Daughter, rest assured. Since Mrs. Su claims the child in her womb is the reason she can’t attend, then I will personally go to Xinye County. I would like to see what other excuses she can come up with. Hmph!” The Magistrate’s wife’s expression turned stern, revealing a certain authority.

With her mother, the Magistrate’s wife’s backing, Mrs. Wang Sun went to see the general magistrate again, now on behalf of Lord Wang. She knew that without her persistence, her father, having more than one daughter and son-in-law, might not be as concerned. Fortunately, she had her mother supporting her.

“Dad, you have to find a way for Dongsheng. It’s unacceptable for him to remain stuck as a Genuine Eighth Rank officer forever. Dongsheng is your legitimate son-in-law, and if he prospers, it reflects well on you. This Deputy Lieutenant position was snatched up by that new Han fellow. Please find another position for Dongsheng,” she said.

“Yes, Old Master, you really need to take her husband’s matter to heart,” added Mrs. Wang.

“Enough, both of you. What do you inner house women know, thinking that getting promoted is so easy! Do you suppose one can simply have whatever position they desire? Even though I am the general magistrate, I cannot ignore the Imperial Court’s regulations. Otherwise, plenty of people are waiting to catch me out. Moreover, the current situation at the Imperial Court is chaotic; the Emperor’s power has been overshadowed, and my own credibility as general magistrate is greatly diminished. The Prefecture Governor and I are at odds—I have to tread carefully. Can’t you two just settle down for once?” Mr. Sun said irritably. If not for his legitimate daughter being present, he would have been disinclined to get involved. He had expressed his doubts about Wang Dongsheng from the start—his timidity meant he wasn’t cut out for great things. His daughter had insisted on marrying him, and now here they were. If not for Mr. Sun’s assistance, even an appointment to a Genuine Eighth Rank post would have been out of Wang Dongsheng’s grasp. Such a failure, and yet he was Sun Bocheng’s son-in-law.

“But Dongsheng is your legitimate son-in-law, Dad. You have to find a way for him. Otherwise, even an insignificant nobody could trample over me, ruling over my head in triumph. I can’t stand that!” she implored.

“It’s what you brought on yourself—who told you to resolutely marry such a useless man? If you wish for a promotion, try earning it yourself, instead of acting as a lobbyist every time you visit your mother’s family. Do you have any other purpose at all?” he retorted.

“Dad, there’s no use talking about that now. Please help Dongsheng for the sake of your daughter,” she pled.

Despite his frustration, Sun Bocheng had to concede—he had a legitimate daughter and son-in-law after all, and couldn’t truly refuse them. “There are no other positions open at the moment. If your son-in-law wants a promotion, he’ll have to find a way to replace that young Han fellow and make the Deputy Lieutenant’s post vacant. Luckily, that Han chap doesn’t have a deep foundation yet,” he said.