Chapter 592 - 598: Madam is Mighty

The scene that just unfolded at the entrance wasn’t only known by Su Wenyue, but even now, everyone in the mansion was aware of it. They were all loyal servants of Su Wenyue and naturally couldn’t stand anyone offending their Madam. They couldn’t give Zhou Yao and her servant a friendly face. Had it not been for the concern of damaging their reputation and fearing people might think the servants at the Han Mansion lacked manners, they really wanted to ‘take care’ of Zhou Yao and her servant properly.

“It’s utterly outrageous, she’s nothing but a merchant’s daughter, and she thinks she can turn into a phoenix from a crow just by marrying General Han, and actually making our Miss wait for her!” That servant girl, knowing her Mistress’s temper and seeing her Mistress’s displeasure, quickly spoke up without considering the consequences, knowing that if her Mistress couldn’t vent, she would definitely take it out on her later.

After Zhou Yao’s servant girl finished speaking, the atmosphere in the entire living room chilled, everyone looking at Zhou Yao and her servant with hostility. Xiao Xi glared at the two of them as if flames were about to burst from her eyes, but she ultimately held back from saying anything. She realized it would be lowering her own standards to stoop to the level of these two.

Zhou Yao and her servant felt uneasy under the gaze of Han Mansion’s servants but, having already spoken, Zhou Yao didn’t actually think there was anything wrong with what her servant girl had said. On the contrary, she felt somewhat relieved. She expected that these servants wouldn’t dare to do anything to them, given her connection to the City Lord Mansion. Even though she wasn’t particularly esteemed there, she was still one of their people. She had faced similar situations before and was inwardly fearless.

“What’s wrong, little girl, why do you look so peeved? Who has upset our Xiao Xi?” Su Wenyue looked at Xiao Xi as she entered and said with a smile.

“Madam, you have no idea how arrogant that Miss Zhou is. She dared to speak ill of you and said such awful things—calling you, well, just her haughty air makes one can’t help wanting to teach her a lesson. And the look on her face when she mentioned General—it was smitten; she must be harboring some indecent thoughts. She doesn’t even look at herself in the mirror; with her conduct, how could our family’s General ever spare her a glance? She’s overestimating herself.”

“Knowing that she’s overestimating herself, then why get so angry? It’s not worth it if you make yourself sick over it. Xiao Xi, I thought you had become more composed.” Su Wenyue said this without any other implication, just that over the years, Xiao Xi had indeed become more mature, and her behavior today was somewhat like regressing to the past.

“Madam, it’s not that I want to be angry, it’s that woman’s speech that’s so infuriating. She belittles you with every word, and one can’t help getting angry upon hearing it.” The thing Xiao Xi couldn’t stand the most was anyone speaking ill of Su Wenyue.

Su Wenyue naturally knew why Xiao Xi was so angry on her behalf; the girl was fiercely loyal to her. It was only matters concerning herself that could evoke such strong emotions in Xiao Xi. The warmth in her heart surged. “She is but an irrelevant woman. Even if she has said something, there’s no need to take it to heart. If you’re still angry, how about I vent for you?”

“Madam, that’s not right for you to say. It’s about taking vengeance for yourself. That brazen woman dares to covet your Husband. She must be taught a lesson, so she knows not to mess with us!” Xiao Xi spoke while waving her fist energetically.

“Well then, I had intended to keep Miss Zhou waiting a bit longer, but since our Xiao Xi is so eager to relieve her anger, let’s go.”

“So, Madam, you were deliberately keeping Miss Zhou waiting. I knew you had nothing urgent to attend to right now. Madam, you’re using this trick and it’s so clever. You didn’t see how that Miss Zhou was almost speaking without thinking earlier, out of anger. It’s truly satisfying to witness!” Xiao Xi wasn’t brainless; she had just been too angry earlier to think it through, but upon hearing Su Wenyue’s words, she immediately understood. The Madam was formidable, subtly deflating Miss Zhou’s arrogance without a word. She was still too green compared to the expertise of the Madam.

“Madam, I really admire you!” Xiao Xi said in praise as she realized what had happened and looked up to see that the Madam had already moved on ahead and hurriedly followed.

“Madam, wait for me. There’s no need to rush. Let’s keep Miss Zhou waiting a bit longer.”

“When does your Madam plan on coming out? Is this how your Madam treats her guests, letting them wait here for so long without appearing? This is quite an eye-opener!” Zhou Yao sat there bored, ignored by everyone, and soon grew impatient.

“Miss Zhou’s manners certainly provide me with new insights. Such behavior is no different from that of a shrew. I wonder if the City Lord’s wife is aware of Miss Zhou’s conduct outside, it’s truly tarnishing the City Lord Mansion.” Su Wenyue walked into the living room with an unhurried pace, speaking coldly with a piercing gaze directed straight at Zhou Yao, her demeanor so imposing that even Zhou Yao and her servant felt intimidated.

Zhou Yao felt her heart tighten under Su Wenyue’s scrutinizing gaze, experiencing an indescribable sense of oppression. This woman wasn’t much older than herself, yet she felt a fear and trepidation that made it hard for her to look her in the eyes.

It was truly strange. She was just a merchant’s daughter; why fear her? Relying on her beauty to gain a bit of favor from General Han, she didn’t carry much weight. In their first clash, she couldn’t let Su Wenyue come out on top and get the better of her.

Thinking so, Zhou Yao regained her previous arrogant demeanor, looking at Su Wenyue with a face full of disdain and contempt. “Whether or not my upbringing is of any concern to the City Lord Mansion, it’s not your problem to worry about. As for you, a merchant’s daughter, thinking you can hog General Han indefinitely with some beauty? General Han, a man as outstanding as he deserves better. If you had any sense, you would willingly leave and not drag him down any further. Just listen to how disgustingly the soldiers talk about you! Do whatever is within your ability; otherwise, it’s just blind arrogance, bringing shame to General Han’s reputation!”

Zhou Yao spoke her mind in one breath, expecting Su Wenyue to retreat in shame if she had any self-awareness. Then there would be her to accompany General Han.

Su Wenyue didn’t get angry. She was aware of the unpleasant rumors circulating in the military camp and hadn’t taken them to heart, let alone a few sentences from Zhou Yao. A sly smile spread across her face. “It seems Miss Zhou is here to question me. But on what basis, and who are you to take this position? No matter how inadequate I may be, I am still the General’s Wife. It’s not your place to criticize. Miss Zhou, you’re really flattering yourself too highly. You know, a problem in one’s head is incurable!”

Zhou Yao had initially thought that if Su Wenyue had any sense of propriety, knowing she was a burden to Han Yu, she would leave in shame. Yet Su Wenyue was not only unashamed but even more arrogant. “You dare insult me, saying my mind is unsound?!”

“I am indeed talking about you. If your brain isn’t working properly, don’t wander around. Someone unaware might think a mad dog from some family has broken in. As for Miss Zhou’s issue of upbringing, I’ll discuss it with the City Lord’s wife another day. Servant, show the guest out!”