Chapter 32 - Chapter 32: Chapter 32: It Was Intentional (2/2)
County, but a Divine Doctor was utterly beyond the means of common folk like them.
“It doesn’t matter, my mother still has a few patches left to use. This Pain Relief Patch needs a full course of treatment to be effective. My mother has already sent someone posthaste to Chang’an, and they should be able to bring more in time. Although it’s a bit troublesome, as long as it benefits you, Mother, it’s worth it. My mother said that since you’ve been so good to me, treating me like your own daughter, I, as a daughter-in-law, should also think more about you.”
“You, always blessed with good fortune, have in-laws that treat you exceptionally well—beyond words. But this item is too precious; even with a whole year’s hard work, our Han Family might not earn enough to buy one patch. You should take it back, I acknowledge your mother-in-law’s good intentions with all my heart, and to reassure her, since you’re now a member of the Han Family and my daughter-in-law, isn’t it natural for me to be good to you? There’s no need for her to go to such expense.”
Mrs. Yang had truly suffered quite a lot for her back pain; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been willing to spend money to see a doctor in the County, yet to no avail. She was hopeful about the effectiveness of the patch, but despite her occasional partiality, she was honest and couldn’t bear to accept such an expensive gift without feeling indebted, and so she declined.
“Mother, don’t say that. What could be more valuable than your health? Husband cares about you and Father the most. You both being well is what allows Husband to have peace of mind, and that would make me, as his daughter-in-law, the happiest. Money is important, but compared to your health, what does it matter? If Husband had known earlier, he would have done everything possible to acquire it for you.”
Su Wenyue skillfully acknowledged her own contribution, but more importantly, she praised Han Yu, as a mother’s joy is most profoundly derived from knowing she is cherished by her son—more effective than any other form of flattery.
Indeed, after Su Wenyue spoke these words, Mrs. Yang felt an even greater sense of satisfaction, carefully handling the ointment and refraining from mentioning that Su Wenyue should send it back, her expression towards Su Wenyue more tender than ever before.
“Yes, yes, you and Fourth child, both of you are the most filial children. Since you, Fourth Daughter-in-law, have said so, I’ll just shamelessly accept this patch.”
“It was specifically sought for you in the first place. However, Daughter-in-law still has a but. Mother, please don’t hesitate to use it because it’s precious, or keep a patch or two unused. This medicine must be used in sufficient quantity, following the treatment course, to be effective. Don’t be reluctant; if it truly helps, I will make sure to get more for you.”
“No, please no, this is already enough. Such an expensive item has to be effective; please don’t spend any more for my sake. Otherwise, I wouldn’t feel right about it.” Mrs. Yang was touched by her son and daughter-in-law’s thoughtfulness, but she couldn’t bear to accept more, her own value not worth that much.
Su Wenyue merely smiled without a word, knowing her mother-in-law had her flaws but was certainly not greedy. Although she took these measures to ingratiate herself with her mother-in-law, her wish to show filial piety was sincere, motivated by the kindness and forbearance her father-in-law and mother-in-law had shown her in her previous life..