Chapter 165 - Chapter 165: Chapter 164: Definitely Not Agreeing (2/2)

Since the servant girls had brought their contracts with them, Su Wenyue knew they weren’t simply accompanying the old woman; they had been sent by her mother as servants for her. But what did she need so many servants for? They would need silver to maintain their livelihood, and even without other expenses, their monthly wages couldn’t be neglected. Besides, their residence was just a modest courtyard; where was there room for so many? Su Wenyue thought about returning them to Mrs. Su.

“I know my mother meant well, and if she chose you to come here, you must be capable. But as you can see, our home isn’t that affluent, and it would be unfair to you. It’s better if you return to Su Mansion instead. I will explain the situation to my mother, and she won’t blame you.”

Su Wenyue said this while sorting through the stack of contracts, intending to only pick out the old woman’s for the sake of the child in her womb. If she didn’t like it, she would have her stay, deeming the old woman somewhat too rigid in her ways. For now, she thought, she would make do and later take her back to Su Mansion if necessary, to exchange her for another. Little did she know that once she accepted this person, it would be unlikely to make the exchange.

Upon hearing that Su Wenyue intended to send them back, the servant girls and caretakers immediately knelt down. Before leaving, they had received the Mistress’s word that if the Miss didn’t accept them, Su Mansion wouldn’t take them back, but instead sell them off. Moreover, the Madam must have anticipated the Miss’s disposition and already instructed how they should act, also declaring that their final home would be at the Uncle’s discretion.

“Miss, before we left, the Madam had already spoken. If you don’t accept us, she will have us sold off, and she has even paid our monthly wages for two years in advance, so you don’t need to pay us for this period.”

Su Wenyue felt choked up, then said, “Even if the monthly silver has been paid, look around at this place. We’re barely sufficient with people in just the front courtyard, let alone fitting so many more. You needn’t worry about my mother; I won’t let her sell you off.”

Su Wenyue genuinely didn’t want so many servants, not just because of room issues, but because she felt constrained. Back when she was a Miss at her mother’s family, the multitude of servants watched her every move, and without her father, mother, or elder brother speaking, she couldn’t even leave the Mansion. Although she was the one in charge at home now and could command the servants, she still disliked having too many of them around, preferring just Xiao Xi. Now, with her pregnancy, two more old women had been added, and even the maid and servant girl Han Yu had bought previously were not allowed to serve her directly; all arrangements were made by Grandma Chen and Xiao Xi.

The servants sent over were waiting for Han Yu’s word after hearing what Su Wenyue had said. It was clear to Han Yu — his Mother-in-law had made the arrangements.

Han Yu took the stack of contracts Su Wenyue was holding, and while she thought he shared her intent to send them back, Han Yu instead collected the contracts, including that of the newly arrived Aunt Li.

Surprised, Su Wenyue looked at Han Yu, not understanding his actions.

Han Yu couldn’t help but smile at his wife’s shocked expression. He thought about how supportive his Mother-in-law was; not only was she efficient in handling matters, but she had also ensured a full staff was sent over, easing his worries. No matter how many were sent, he would never feel it was too many.

Originally, the Mother-in-law had indeed planned to send only an old woman, fearing her daughter-in-law wouldn’t be happy with more. However, Han Yu, seeking peace of mind, had pleaded with her to send a few more. With them, he could feel assured when he wasn’t at home, and especially the old woman – deliberately chosen for her experience yet inflexibility – would keep his wife in line in his absence, a fact he preferred his wife not know. Thankfully, the Mother-in-law must have understood his intentions, hence sending them over in the afternoon.

Su Wenyue was unaware of Han Yu’s intentions, or else she would surely have objected. Even now, seeing Han Yu securing the contracts, she blinked her sparkling eyes: “Husband, are you planning to personally send them back? That would be great; I can’t move around much right now, and speaking to Mother would be just as good coming from you.”