Chapter 442: 449: Not Surprising

Seeing Han Yu carry Chen Li away, Su Wenyue hastily sent someone to the study room to listen for any commotion. If things got too loud, they were to inform her, lest the situation truly got out of hand. Although Liu Xiu had an arranged marriage with Yin Lihua, his attitude towards Chen Li had, for some reason, become better than before. Even considering Liu Xiu’s reputation, they couldn’t treat Chen Li too harshly.

After this incident, although Su Wenyue found Chen Li to be quite bothersome, she didn’t really dislike her. Perhaps it was only after truly interacting with her that Su Wenyue realized Chen Li was somewhat clever, yet not too scheming of a woman. However, she was definitely someone who defied conventional norms, which, in other people’s judgments, wasn’t wrong about her.

Chen Li was the type to casually mention divorce, criticizing social decorum and even scorning the practice of regarding one’s husband as one’s heaven. In such a male-dominated society, perhaps only Chen Li would dare to do so. It was no wonder Han Yu found Chen Li so repellent and objected to her being close to him.

In Su Wenyue’s eyes, although Han Yu was a good man, devoted to her and caring for their children, his male chauvinism was something she couldn’t seem to change, no matter how much she tried to educate him. He had improved somewhat from before, but on certain issues, he was still domineering. Once he made up his mind, he wouldn’t allow her to object, and he’d sometimes make decisions without her consent. Su Wenyue had been quite irate about this and had even had a few tumultuous arguments with Han Yu, but such deeply ingrained behaviors were not so easily altered.

Han Yu was also somewhat selfish in his thoughts, wanting to keep his daughter-in-law in his protective sphere, to shield her from outside influences, and shape her into the woman he desired. Although this thought was thwarted by Su Wenyue’s firm resistance, it definitely illustrated his mindset. This was why Han Yu initially unhesitatingly opposed Su Wenyue’s idea to open a store, although he eventually gave in. Still, he harbored some resentment, so seeing a woman who defied norms trying to lead astray his already somewhat ‘unruly’ daughter-in-law was infuriating. Thus, his rough treatment of Chen Li was not surprising.

With his own daughter-in-law, Han Yu couldn’t bear to hit or scold her, not even utter a harsh word—treating her like a precious treasure to be held in his arms. So he had no other choice but to indulge her, but what was Chen Li? Merely a woman he had always disliked for her flirtatious nature; there was no need for politeness. If it were not for Chen Li’s actions at Liu Mansion that day, which counted as a favor to Han Yu, even if he wouldn’t send Chen Li to Yihong Courtyard as he previously stated, he would definitely have given her a severe lesson.

“Why has my husband not returned after so long? Haven’t they finished discussing the matter? Has the person I sent to gather information not come back yet? I hope they didn’t scare her,” Su Wenyue said, seeing that Han Yu was delayed in his return. Her heart remained somewhat uneasy; after all, Han Yu was always quick to anger around Chen Li. Initially, she had thought Han Yu knew where to draw the line and would just scare Chen Li, but he still hadn’t come back after such a long time.

“Madam, don’t worry, the Master certainly knows how to act appropriately. As for Chen Li, she really should be frightened properly. What kind of things does she say with her mouth? She’s defiant of norms herself, and yet she comes to instigate Madam. Is she trying to make Madam as notoriously scandalous as she is?” Shu Lan said bluntly, clearly very displeased with Chen Li.

“Nonsense, are those words for you to say? From now on, do not gossip behind people’s backs, or should I find out, I will not be lenient!” Su Wenyue rebuked sternly, frowning. Shu Lan had become increasingly inappropriate lately. She used to be a bit quirky but still followed the rules. Perhaps Su Wenyue had been too lenient with the servants, and since Grandma Chen was busy with tasks Su Wenyue had assigned her, without someone to restrain Shu Lan, she had grown even more insolent.

Shu Lan, having spoken too impulsively, regretted provoking Madam’s anger and knelt down quickly to apologize: “Madam, forgive me, I was wrong. I won’t dare to do it again!”

But this time, Su Wenyue didn’t let her off lightly as before and said coldly, “I don’t need your service around here anymore. Since you know your mistake, go and reflect on your own, and think about how you should behave from now on.”

Shu Lan was truly frightened at this point, the rims of her eyes turning red. Did Madam not want her service anymore? But she sincerely wanted to be with Madam—not for the prestige of being a top maid, but because a good master like her was too hard to come by. Seeing the unchanging stern expression on Su Wenyue’s face, Shu Lan didn’t dare plead any further for fear of infuriating Madam even more. She decided to consult Grandma Chen and ask her to intercede on her behalf; both of them had come from the Su Family, and surely Grandma Chen would be willing to help her.

“Yes, I shall obey,” Shu Lan said quietly and withdrew.

Qi Luo watched everything clearly; Madam wasn’t truly angry. If she had been, the consequences for Shu Lan would not have been as simple as reflecting on her actions. It seemed that this was a deliberate act to discipline Shu Lan, who had lately been overstepping the line. It was also a way to temper her.

Nowadays, the Master’s power and status were growing ever greater, and it was uncertain what levels he would reach in the future. However, given his capabilities, his social status would definitely not be low. As the wife of such a man, Madam would face much more complex situations, and the maids serving her could not remain so unrestrained and undisciplined.

Shu Lan wasn’t too bright and probably hadn’t grasped Madam’s intentions, looking worried and frightened. Who knew how uncomfortable she felt inside. But Qi Luo wasn’t worried; with Grandma Chen around, she would surely guide Shu Lan and help her meet Madam’s expectations and standards.

Truthfully, Qi Luo felt a tinge of envy. Shu Lan and the other senior maids, like her, all came from the Su Family, as did Grandma Chen. They shared a warmer bond and affection due to their common origin. Although Grandma Chen treated her politely enough, it lacked warmth compared to her interactions with Shu Lan and the others. Even when stern, Grandma Chen appeared more like a kind elder.

After watching Shu Lan leave, Su Wenyue shook her head helplessly, hoping she would truly reflect on her behavior, thereby justifying Su Wenyue’s effort. Just as she was about to send someone to check on Han Yu, he returned.

With his wife on his mind, Han Yu quickly came back to the Inner Courtyard after Chen Li left. True enough, he saw that his wife was not asleep this late, still waiting for him.

Most likely still concerned about Chen Li’s situation, Su Wenyue asked anxiously upon seeing Han Yu, “Husband, what about Miss Chen? Has she returned?”

Looking at his wife’s curious expression, Han Yu couldn’t help but feel amused. He knew she had sent someone to inquire, but since the matter was sensitive, he didn’t allow the person to get close. This sort of thing wasn’t for the ears of servants, though telling his wife wouldn’t be an issue.