Chapter 8 - 8 Chapter 8: Having a Foot in Both Camps (1/2)
8 Chapter 8: Having a Foot in Both Camps
Translator: 549690339
Han Yu was somewhat panicked by Su Wenyue’s attitude; he actually had no intention of speaking up for Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang. After so many years of living together, he knew exactly what kind of people they were. It was just that he couldn’t stand how Su Wenyue did not seem to care about him.
After Su Wenyue said her piece, she did not want to say another word to Han Yu. Any good feelings that had arisen between them that morning had dissipated, and she turned instead to address her Father-in-law and Mother-in-law.
“Father, Mother, I am grateful for your trust and protection. It is not that I, your daughter-in-law, insist on arguing when I am in the right, but some things must be made clear once they have been brought up. Otherwise, even if we move past this, there will always be a lump in everyone’s heart. I believe you both have doubts at this moment. Therefore, I am willing to prove right here and now that both the shoes and insoles were made by me, stitch by stitch, and not made by the embroiderer from home, as Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law have claimed. I ask you also to give me an opportunity to prove myself and not let me bear such a disrespectful accusation against my in-laws and elder brother’s wife on my very first day entering Han Family!”
Everyone in the room was taken aback by Su Wenyue’s motives. Mrs. Wang seemed astonished. Had Su Wenyue taken the wrong medicine? Surely no one would rush to expose themselves. Yet, Old Man Han and Mrs. Yang’s faces which had been unpleasant, softened into kindness, feeling a touch of warmth in their hearts. It seemed that the Fourth Daughter-in-law knew respect and they had misunderstood her.
“Fourth Daughter-in-law, I already said I believed you, why insist on this? The Eldest Daughter-in-law and Third Daughter-in-law were fooled by idle gossip—people who enjoy spreading rumors usually do not have good intentions. Moreover, Han Family marrying such a fine daughter-in-law like you, I am afraid many are envious and do not wish to see our family prosper, which is why they deliberately spread false rumors.
“Eldest Daughter-in-law, Fourth Daughter-in-law, in the future you both should go out less and stay home to do more work. This will help avoid mixing with those who are up to no good and falling for nonsense rumors, and making things difficult for your own younger sister-in-law. If there’s a next time, I, the old lady, will truly not tolerate it!” Mrs. Yang’s words carried a severity that had never been seen before. It seemed that after some consideration, her thoughts about the issue had grown more complex and risen to another level.
“Yes, Mother. We understand,” Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang replied, feeling aggrieved. Mrs. Wang clenched the silk handkerchief tightly in her hand, unable to use it. She still thought that Su Wenyue really intended to reveal her shortcomings. She hadn’t expected this strategy from her.
Su Wenyue glanced at Mrs. Wang, noting her frustrations and resentment. A mysterious smile played on her lips, “Mother, I know that is what you think, but since I have given my word, I must follow through. Otherwise, how can I convince Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law? Even with Mother’s support, if I cannot prove myself, I’m afraid Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law will agree only on the surface, but not be convinced in their hearts.”
“Well then, since you insist, let’s do as you say,” Mrs. Yang said. She had shown her support for Su Wenyue and given her importance through her words. However, since Su Wenyue herself insisted, Mrs. Yang had nothing to object to. In fact, she understood that the Eldest Daughter-in-law and Third Daughter-in-law were likely cursing her for being partial. If the Fourth Daughter-in-law could prove herself, it would effectively shut them up.