Chapter 86 - Chapter 86: Chapter 86: Han Family’s Old Lady (2/2)

“Eldest child, here’s the silver for buying grain in the city. Make sure you hold on to it well,” Mrs. Yang said reluctantly, as she took a bunch of money out of the box that held their silver.

“Mother, buying grain in the city won’t cost so much; why are you giving me this much silver?” Han Hu, seeing such a large amount of money handed over by his mother, was puzzled. How much grain was he expected to buy? With such expenditure, their family wouldn’t make it to the autumn grain harvest, especially since the government had increased the rent by twenty percent this year.

Honestly, Han Hu also felt dissatisfaction with his aunt and cousin’s recent behaviors, but as a man and husband, he couldn’t be that petty. Regardless, they were still relatives, and hospitality was due.

“There’s a reason why I’m giving you this. Your grandmother’s birthday is coming up soon, and we need to go to the city to celebrate her longevity. Every year, the birthday package is sent from our house, and this year will be no exception. Aside from purchasing grain, you’ll also need to buy some extra flour,” Mrs. Yang spoke and sighed.

Han Hu was taken aback, remembering that the old lady’s birthday was approaching, which would mean a not insignificant expense for their family.

As for the Old Lady of the Han Family, who lived in the Main House in the county town, apart from Old Man Han, the other members of the Han family didn’t have much affection for her. After all, they usually didn’t live together, and she was particularly biased towards the Main House, looking down upon their countryside family as worthless. She would always find fault with them, especially with Mrs. Yang, the daughter-in-law, treating her with contempt and disdain.

The Old Lady didn’t have much regard for the Second House, but when it came to reaping benefits, she was absolutely uncompromising. Her grandson’s marriages — she only showed up when the eldest son took a wife, which, even though it wasn’t with gifts, was a sign of regard. After that one time, for any joyful occasion at home, the Old Lady never showed up again. The Main House also did the same, never sending a gift, not even for the sake of appearances. But whenever there was a need in the Main House, they were sure to involve the Second House, extracting benefits from them.

“The grandmother’s birthday is coming? All right, I’ll buy some extra flour, as making birthday packages will use quite a bit,” said Han Hu magnanimously. Though thinking about his grandmother and the eldest uncle’s family made him feel annoyed, he did what was expected without compromise, as they were still his elders.

“Right, you usually handle these things and you know what to do. The gifts for your grandmother can only be plenty, not lacking, otherwise, she might become restless. Weigh it out for yourself.”

When it came to the Old Lady of the Han Family, Su Wenyue had a vague impression, but she vaguely remembered such a person. In her previous life, she looked down upon Han Yu’s family, and the city relatives weren’t an exception. However, they weren’t any better, for they put on airs in front of her. Just thinking about the mother-in-law and eldest uncle’s attitudes indicated that the city family must be quite troublesome.

Su Wenyue mainly observed Han Hu’s reaction. It was normal for the mother-in-law to look displeased, as conflicts between mother and daughter-in-law were common. Her eldest uncle was not someone petty. Even towards Mrs. Wang, who had made many mistakes, he remained cordial. If something could make his expression sour, it was clear that the family in the city was no ordinary folks.

“Mother, I’ve been married into the family for quite some time now, and yet I had no idea that we had relatives in the county town. Husband, too, never mentioned it to me; if we bumped into them, it would be embarrassing not to recognize our own family.”