Chapter 147 - Chapter 147: The Grace of Living (2/2)
Su Wenyue maintained her composure, but her heart was filled with both shock and joy. Indeed, what goes around comes around. She had serendipitously acted out of kindness to save a woman, only for the heavens to reward her with a windfall. With this woman’s help, Han Yu’s support network would be strengthened. However, the time wasn’t right to reveal the woman’s identity yet. Han Yu’s foundation in the military camp was still not deep enough, and there was much he needed to learn. It wasn’t the best moment. Moreover, even if she planned to use the woman’s status, it had to be at an opportune moment, or it might seem too deliberate, raising suspicions about their intentions, for she would not have known of the woman’s identity without the experiences and memories from her previous life.
“Aunt, please have a seat. I didn’t expect your visit today, and I hope you won’t take offense at any neglect!” Su Wenyue personally greeted the woman at the door and escorted her inside. The woman was flattered and surprised to find that the kind stranger who had saved her and her son was actually the wife of an official. She had followed the address given by her benefactor to find the place, but once she reached the courtyard entrance, she felt somewhat inappropriate to call upon them so abruptly.
“How can Madam speak like this? I am but a crude woman; you mustn’t say such things about me. I am unworthy of Madam’s kindness! I came here today to express my thanks for the life-saving help you gave to my son and me. I have nothing of value to give in return, Madam. These eggs are from my own chickens and these plums I’ve pickled myself. They’re not much, but they represent my sincere gratitude. If Madam doesn’t mind, please accept them.”
“How could I mind? You made these plums yourself, Aunt, and since I’ve been pregnant, I’ve craved sour things. I was just thinking about having some, and you’ve brought them to me,” Su Wenyue said as she opened the container and took a plum to put in her mouth, assuring the woman of her trust.
Grandma Chen and Xiao Xi did not approve of Su Wenyue’s gesture but refrained from saying anything else in front of the woman, recognizing that Madam had a different attitude toward this woman and must have her reasons.
Su Wenyue initially acted as such just to bond with the woman, but her eyes lit up upon tasting the plum; it was really delicious, with a unique flavor that surpassed any plum she had eaten before.
“Aunt, these plums are too delicious,” Su Wenyue remarked as she picked another to taste.
The woman was delighted with the praise for the plums she had pickled and was happy that her benefactor appreciated them. The pickled plums were, after all, a specialty passed down from her ancestors, not easily replicated by others.
“If Madam likes them, I have more at home and will bring them to you next time.”
“That would be wonderful,” Su Wenyue replied, reaching for another plum before being stopped by the watchful Grandma Chen.
“I haven’t yet asked for Aunt’s name. This child must be your son, right? He looks well; has he fully recovered?” Su Wenyue asked with a smile.
The woman had specially brought her son today: “My name is Feng Susu, my husband’s family name is An, and this is my son An Tai. Thanks to Madam’s kind actions, the doctor was able to treat him, and he is now fully recovered. An Tai, you must kowtow to Madam. She is the great benefactor who saved our lives. Remember, a debt of gratitude is to be repaid like a spring for a favor as small as a drop of water. Never forget Madam’s kindness.”
An Tai was a sensible child and before Feng could finish, he knelt and kowtowed to Su Wenyue repeatedly, his face showing deep gratitude: “An Tai thanks Madam for the gift of life and will never forget it!”
If Su Wenyue had any lingering doubts, they were dispelled by the woman’s announcement of her name and her husband’s surname. She swiftly helped An Tai to his feet.