Chapter 152 - Chapter 152: Birds of a Feather Flock Together (2/2)

“A bunch of country bumpkins—why would Madam Zhou bother with them? If they embarrass themselves, that’s on them. We should keep our distance, lest we get dragged down by their antics,” said Mrs. Chen’s servant girl in green clothes, impatiently interjecting as if conversing with them was beneath Madam Zhou.

A flicker of displeasure crossed Madam Zhou’s face hearing her servant girl speak to her in such a manner, but she refrained from commenting out of respect for Mrs. Chen, who had been officially invited. She would need Mrs. Chen’s favor later to enter the party together, and she didn’t want to end up like those lesser official’s wives, queuing up to register gifts—a terribly disgraceful act.

Previously unaware of Mrs. Chen’s background, Su Wenyue had refrained from offending her, which was why she had instructed Xiao Xi to endure it. But this time, seeing the servant girl in green clothes provoke them again, and sensing Su Wenyue’s lack of objection, Xiao Xi promptly stepped forward to confront the girl.

“Whose dog is barking so rudely? Just as there are all kinds of masters, there are all kinds of disrespectful servants!”

The previous retreat of Master and Servant Su Wenyue had given Mrs. Chen and the servant girl in green clothes the wrong impression, assuming that Su Wenyue was too weak to confront them. Thus, they dared to call Su Wenyue and her group country bumpkins publically, certain they wouldn’t make a scene. Surprisingly, Xiao Xi suddenly retorted, pointing her finger at Xiao Xi and shouting, “Who has no manners? You ill-mannered country servant girl!”

“Who’s speaking so recklessly—I wonder who might lash their tongue in a gust of wind.”

“You, you!” The servant girl in green clothes wanted to say something else to Xiao Xi, but considering they were at the County government and creating a scene wouldn’t look good, she held back, fearing the County Magistrate’s wife’s disapproval. Mrs. Chen disdainfully glanced at Su Wenyue and her group, pulling her servant girl back.

“Pfft, they’re nothing but fallen nobility, acting as if they’re something special. No matter how glorious her family once was, it’s all in the past. She thinks she’s some noble lady, looking down on everyone with her nose in the air and putting on such a pretentious act—who is she trying to impress? Pah!”

Mrs. Yao Qin, known for her frankness, utterly despised Mrs. Chen and didn’t mince her words. After her biting remarks, she glanced at Su Wenyue, acknowledging to herself that this was someone of truly high birth. The Su family wasn’t just any wealthy household; they were connected to the Imperial Court. That’s why they could elevate Han Yu from a farmer to an eighth-rank position, yet Su Wenyue remained modest in her demeanor.

Madam Zhou followed Mrs. Chen towards the main entrance and noticed Su Wenyue and her companions were trailing behind. The main door and the side door were not in the same direction.

“What are you following us for? We are going through the main door to celebrate the County Magistrate’s wife’s birthday. You should be heading for the side door to queue up and register your gifts. Don’t tell me you’re thinking of sneaking in behind us?”

“Tsk! You rural bumpkins really have no shame, thinking you could sneak in by tagging along with our lady. Don’t even think about it!” The servant girl in green clothes, hearing Madam Zhou, saw that Su Wenyue and her group were indeed following behind.

Su Wenyue was somewhat speechless. Indeed, birds of a feather flock together; who would want to go in with them? She too had an invitation from the County Magistrate’s wife—and not just any invitation, but a silver-edged post, welcoming her as an honored guest.