Chapter 96 - Chapter 96: Chapter Ninety-Six: Add Fuel to the Fire (2/2)

“It was my husband who mentioned Brother Yu’s wife being Miss Su, prompting me to pass the word to Grandma. We should be polite to Brother Yu’s wife; if she becomes unhappy and complains to her mother’s family, my husband could lose his job.”

Some of Mrs. Zhou’s words were indeed Han Ping’s cautions. In the past, when Han Ping heard that the Fourth child of the Second House had married a young rich lady, he thought it was just a rumor with no substance and didn’t care. To him, the rural relatives of the Second House didn’t warrant his attention, especially since Grandma didn’t favor Second Uncle’s family. But he hadn’t expected Brother Yu’s marriage to be genuinely to a rich young lady from the Su Family, and not only that, she was the Su Family’s only direct Daughter.

Han Ping was, after all, working under the Su Family. Although just a small steward, he had heard things about the family. He knew that the Old Master and both Young Masters particularly doted on their legitimate Daughter, whom he dared not offend. Remembering Grandma’s temperament and her attitude towards the Second House, he had had his wife relay the message.

“Is it really that serious? Our Brother Ping got his position from his ability, not luck. Even if Brother Yu’s wife is indeed Miss Su, she’s just a married daughter, and a married daughter is like water poured away. The Su Family may not regard her highly and might not dismiss someone as capable as our Brother Ping for her sake. It would be the Su Family’s loss.”

Over the years, the Old Lady had been pampered, and she socialized mostly with lower-status, undistinguished people. In their eyes, Han Ping’s position as a steward was already impressive, seeking favor with the Old Lady, flattering her ceaselessly. The Old Lady, buoyed by such praise, had grown a bit conceited, genuinely believing her grandson to be significant and that the Su Family relied on him for income.

Mrs. Zhou was somewhat speechless hearing the Old Lady’s opinion. The Old Lady was overestimating Han Ping, thinking of him too highly. She, his wife, was not so blinded by flattery to lose all self-awareness. She knew full well that her husband was merely a minor steward, and that the Su Family could replace him with just one word. If dismissed, he wouldn’t even have a plea. Yet, even though she thought this, her words couldn’t betray such fears. If she frightened the Old Lady, Xiao Xi’s issue would be hard to handle.

Although Mrs. Zhou felt intimidated by Su Wenyue’s status, she did not hold the same regard for Xiao Xi, the servant girl. Intent on having her way, she considered securing a good end for a mere servant girl lucky. Besides, Xiao Xi might even be thankful to her.

“Grandma, since my husband has instructed us so, we should heed him. Whether she’s married or not, Brother Yu’s wife is still the Su Family’s Daughter. We should show her respect and build a good relationship. There’s no harm in that, and should we manage to engage Xiao Xi with Third Brother, our ties to the Su Family might grow stronger. The Su Family is no ordinary household; getting on their good side would certainly benefit us.”

“How can you say that? She’s just a servant girl. If she were Miss Su herself, we could leverage that connection, but it’s a shame the Old man showed bias, giving such a fine daughter-in-law to Brother Yu. What good is a servant girl?”

The Old Lady clearly had her doubts about Mrs. Zhou’s words, her tone containing a hint of skepticism.