Chapter 236 - 145 A Labor of Love

Cotton-padded clothes, unlike food, do require effort to make, even with cotton in the warehouse. After much hurrying, only about thirty sets were completed. However, making quilts was easier, and thirty were prepared, which should be more than enough since quilts can be shared.

The second day, upon his return, Han Yu saw the yard filled with two carts of goods.

“Daughter-in-law, what’s this? Where are you sending gifts? Are you giving these to Father and Mother back home?” It wasn’t surprising that Han Yu would think this since, given the state of the world, Su Wenyue had often been sending things to the village for Father, Mother, and Brother and Sister-in-law. Seeing these two carts full of items, Han Yu subconsciously thought they were meant for the village, although it seemed to be too much. Nowadays, currency had little value and prices were high; just these two carts represented a significant cost.

“Daughter-in-law, I know you’re kind-hearted and respectful towards Brother and Sister-in-law, but there’s no need to send so much. The silver I bring back is little, and this is all from your private savings. You should save some and not spend it all here, especially since these times are tough. Besides, our family has already divided the household. There’s a saying, ‘Rise by a basket of rice, fight over a measure of rice.’ Old Han family doesn’t have a reason to live off the daughter-in-law’s dowry.”

“Husband, I am not…”

Su Wenyue was about to explain, but Han Yu interrupted her. He felt his daughter-in-law was indeed too virtuous, but he didn’t want her to work so hard, especially during the time when she was pregnant and busy.

“I know you’re capable of managing the household. You’re willing to treat my parents and brother and sister-in-law kindly for me, even if it means cutting back yourself. But it pains me to see you working so hard and others enjoying the fruits of your labor.”

Although Han Yu misunderstood her intent, Su Wenyue was still pleased to hear these words. Her efforts had not been in vain. In the balance between her family and her, Han Yu’s heart undoubtedly leaned towards her, as evidenced by his words.

“Husband, you’ve misunderstood. These things aren’t meant to be sent back home. I sent quite a few items to Father, Mother, Brother, and Sister-in-law just a few days ago, which should last until New Year. We can send the New Year’s gifts then. These items are for you to take with you tomorrow.”

Since everything was packed, Han Yu hadn’t looked inside. Only after hearing what Su Wenyue said did he inspect the contents of the cart. Instantly, he understood her intentions. These gestures meant more to him than sending things back to the village, and it moved him deeply. His daughter-in-law must hold his affairs close to her heart to think of such detailed preparations, and it wasn’t just a small matter that could be managed casually. This also showed that his daughter-in-law was a person of great character, not petty over trivial benefits like other women.

“Daughter-in-law, this is too much. If you truly want to help me, half of it would be enough. These days are hard, and we still have three children to raise and many servants to take care of. We can’t deplete our resources all at once.” While Han Yu knew that Su Wenyue had accumulated much food and medicine, he still thought there were limits, as he had not involved himself much in household affairs and was truly unaware.

It wasn’t that Han Yu didn’t care; rather, he was busy with camp matters and trusted Su Wenyue. With old women advising her, there was no concern that she, inexperienced, would make mistakes. The old women knew much, especially about inner house matters and were always ready with guidance.

“Don’t worry, these things won’t deplete our reserves. Your daughter-in-law is capable. In such harsh winter, already being lacking in food and clothes means losing to others from the start.”

When Su Wenyue spoke these words, there was a hint of pride. She truly wasn’t concerned about this food. Today, the Zhuangzi had a bountiful harvest; not a grain was sold but stored away, and there were high-yielding crops like sweet potatoes. Han Yu wouldn’t expect her to be so ready to make such sacrifices, even turning everything at home, including the ‘Money to support the family’ that Han Yu had given her and even jewelry from the bottom of the box, into silver to purchase scarce and valuable goods such as medicine and food. These purchases were made through the Su Family channels, which saved a lot of money. Not only on Zhuangzi, Su Wenyue, thinking of the principle that it’s wise to have more than one hideout, had stored plenty in other places as well.

Han Yu raised his eyebrows at the grand tone of Su Wenyue, realizing that his daughter-in-law was even more intelligent and capable than he had imagined, possibly thanks to that ‘dream.’ Not only her, but the Su Family too had stored a lot, spending silver lavishly to buy in bulk, which now proved beneficial.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Alright, then I’ll take these things to the military camp.” Knowing that Su Wenyue was sincere, Han Yu stopped declining the offer. He truly needed these items; having them would increase his chances of success by a bit. At least, he wouldn’t have to fight an enemy on an empty stomach in cold weather. No matter how strong the will to fight, being hungry and cold would certainly weaken combat effectiveness. Regarding whether or not these were Su Wenyue’s dowry, Han Yu no longer dwelled on the issue; it would be unfair to her sincere efforts to do so.

“I’ve prepared dry food and such, and also prepared a flask of wine for staying warm. I’ve only prepared some medicinal materials for when they’re absolutely necessary. After all, medicine isn’t like food, not needed all the time, and we really don’t have enough to distribute to everyone. You’ll have to decide on your own. As for the clothes and quilts, there should be enough quilts, and as for the clothes, since I only learned about it last night, I managed to make only this much. You can distribute them to those in more need,” Su Wenyue informed Han Yu of her preparations so he would know what to expect.

As for Han Yu’s portion, Su Wenyue naturally did not forget it and prepared a separate bundle. The coat was made of mink fur, very warm, and she gave Han Yu another small package with more seriousness.

“Husband, inside here are also pills and powder, not much in quantity, but unlike the other batches, these medicines are very precious and highly effective. They were supposedly made from a prescription passed down from previous generations, and without my grandfather’s connections, I wouldn’t have been able to get them. They’re for preserving your life; don’t use them carelessly, and don’t give others use unless absolutely necessary,” Su Wenyue solemnly said, though the items weren’t as priceless as she made them seem. Two types were actually concocted by her orders, indeed very effective, something not yet available in this era, stemming from a prescription attained in her previous life. However, she attributed them to her grandfather’s legacy. Knowing Han Yu’s generous nature towards his subordinates, she was afraid he would use up all her preparations too soon and end up with nothing for himself. That’s why she urged him so pointedly.