Chapter 293: 301: This Mother-in-law

“It was the Fourth Daughter-in-law who thought things through. Fourth child being able to get promoted so quickly, he owes much to the Fourth Daughter-in-law supporting him from behind,” said Mrs. Yang as she spoke, her enthusiasm was not as great anymore. After all, it was not her son who bought the house; it had little to do with her. She feared that because of this, her son would be put first in his wife’s eye, and she couldn’t say much about it. She didn’t hear the Fourth Daughter-in-law say that the house had to be bought, as it was crucial for Fourth child’s future.”

Su Wenyue, seeing everyone’s reaction, especially those of her Father-in-Law and Mother-in-Law, immediately realized Han Yu’s intentions. She felt validated and grateful, thinking of the saying, ‘a favor given should be a favor returned.’ Since Han Yu was willing to do this for her, she, too, wanted to repay the kindness in some way. She said, “Mother-in-law, you’re too kind. It was mostly due to my Husband himself. Once we get to the prefecture and settle down, we’ll invite Mother to stay with us for a while, especially since New Year’s is approaching. Why not have everyone simply go to the provincial capital to celebrate the New Year together?”

When Su Wenyue said this, Han Yu was slightly startled; he clearly hadn’t expected his daughter-in-law to say such a thing. He had not mentioned this matter before, not because he didn’t want to invite his parents to stay, after all, they were his parents, and having bought his own house for the first time, he did want to have his Father and Mother over to look after them. But he would certainly be busy during that time, and even if he did invite his Father and Mother over, he wouldn’t have time to accompany them. The Daughter-in-law would have to do most of the arranging and, given that she and his Mother had some conflicts previously, plus taking care of three children and managing the affairs of the backyard and society connections, she would be quite busy too. Han Yu didn’t want to add more burdens to his wife’s load and would wait until he had time in the future.

“Going to the prefecture to celebrate the New Year?” Old Man Han and Mrs. Yang also had not expected Su Wenyue to say this. After all, it was the Daughter-in-law who bought the house, and they had not considered staying there at all. It seemed their son had no such intent, and their first reaction was that going there referred to visiting their son.”

“Yes, Father and Mother, how about we go to the prefecture for the New Year? It’s the first time we’re doing this, and it’s very lively there. On New Year’s Eve, fireworks and firecrackers are everywhere; it’s quite a sight,” Han Yu also added. Since his wife was willing to go to such lengths for him, he wasn’t going to be uncooperative.

“Is it convenient for you? Won’t it cause you trouble?” Old Man Han looked at his son, implying something that Han Yu understood. He felt a bit saddened, knowing that it was his own selfishness as a son that had made his Father uncomfortable. Although he didn’t regret doing it, he realized he was somewhat unfilial.

“Father, it’s our own home; what’s there to trouble or not trouble about? It’s settled then, we’re going to the prefecture for the New Year. Now that I have made something of myself, I can also take you to enjoy the good fortune,” Han Yu reassured.

“Ah, alright, then your Mother and I will go to the prefecture for the New Year,” Old Man Han, pleased, agreed to his son’s suggestion without a second thought, while Mrs. Yang, thinking more deeply, hesitated somewhat.

“Child’s father, if we visit the prefecture for New Year, what about the eldest and Second Brother…” although Mrs. Yang favored her youngest son, after all, they were living with the Eldest Son, and this was clear to Mrs. Yang. While she wanted to go to the provincial capital to celebrate New Year, she also didn’t want to upset the Eldest Son and his wife because of it.

“How about everyone just goes together to celebrate New Year in the prefecture? The house is big enough to accommodate us all, and New Year should be a time for a joyful family reunion. Big brother and Second Brother won’t be busy with work during New Year, and if there are matters in the Village they can’t leave behind, they can ask neighbors to help watch over them,” Su Wenyue cheerfully suggested, and since she was already inviting her In-Laws, she didn’t mind being generous one more time, including the Main House and Second House without making any mention of the Third House. It wasn’t that she had forgotten, but rather, she intentionally left them out. Before, she had no fear, confident she could handle anything, unafraid of Mrs. Wang’s cunning schemes. Now, with children in the picture, she didn’t trust the character of the third son and his wife and wouldn’t risk even the slightest danger.

“Alright, let’s go to the prefecture to celebrate New Year this year. Regardless of where we are, being together is the best. Since Fourth child won’t be coming back to the Village, let’s go to the prefecture to celebrate the New Year,” Han Hu said, being the most filial. Seeing that his parents were interested in going, he immediately agreed.

Once the boss expressed his stance, the Second Brother, Han Quan, was also willing. There was nothing much to do in the winter, and they could afford to leave; none of them had visited the prefecture before, with the farthest they’d been being the County Town. They were also curious to see the bustle of the prefecture.

It was only Han Lin who felt rather awkward. Although the Fourth Son and his wife had said the whole family would go to the prefecture for New Year, they had only mentioned inviting the Eldest and Second Brothers, not their Third House. He naturally also wanted to go; not to mention that experiencing the prosperity of the prefecture would be insightful, but also because Fourth child was now an official, he could definitely benefit from a connection with him.

Han Yu noticed his wife deliberately ignoring the Third House, yet he did not speak up, pretending not to know. Although Third Brother was his flesh and blood, they didn’t share much affection. If it were usual times, it might be fine, but right now, Han Yu was even more wary of the third son and his wife than Su Wenyue. He understood their characters better than his wife did, especially Mrs. Wang, who had a crazed look earlier. Who knows what crazy thing she might do next? He couldn’t always be busy and guard his house at all times; he could never underestimate the destructive power of a madwoman.

This clear disregard did not escape Old Man Han and Mrs. Yang’s notice. Even though they usually did not care much for the third son and his wife, it was still their own child. Old Man Han, being sensible, understood the concerns of the Fourth Son and his wife. Though he had some thoughts, he remained silent, not wanting to cause a scene that would leave everyone embarrassed. Mrs. Wang was like a troublemaker at that moment, as everyone had seen earlier.

Mrs. Yang was less rational and more swayed by her feelings, and given her age, no matter the usual circumstances, during the New Year period, she wished for a complete family gathering. Missing anyone felt like something was lacking.

“Fourth child, how about we also invite your third brother and his family? It wouldn’t be right to leave the Third Child’s family alone in the Village. Aside from other things, word getting out wouldn’t sound too nice; it would make the old Han family seem discordant. Don’t worry, I will keep an eye on your third brother and his family; they won’t cause any trouble,” Mrs. Yang looked at Han Yu with hopeful eyes, wishing for his agreement. She believed that as long as her son consented, his wife would certainly listen.

When Su Wenyue heard Mrs. Yang suggesting that they also take the third family to the prefecture, her heart was somewhat displeased. This Mother-in-law, always a bit out of line, if you aren’t good to her, she retaliates, and if you are kind to her, she oversteps her bounds. Knowing full well that there had been a conflict with the third son and his wife, and having seen Mrs. Wang’s behavior earlier, she saw that her Mother-in-law had wanted to severely deal with Mrs. Wang. Yet, in the blink of an eye, she was speaking on behalf of the third son and his wife. It was surely not for Mrs. Wang but for her third son; however, it made no difference to her. This Mother-in-law really was quite oblivious.