Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 590: Chapter 596: So Arrogant

Xiao Xi earned Su Wenyue’s respect because she carried out any task ordered with unwavering determination, even if she did not understand the reason and harbored doubts. Knowing that Su Wenyue must have her reasons, Xiao Xi did not press for answers, trusting that if she followed Su Wenyue’s instructions, she would not go wrong.

“I obey the Madam, and there is another matter I wish to ask for your permission. I would like to set aside a piece of land on the far west side.”

“What would you use it for?”

“I plan to build some shelters there and raise some livestock. We have grown so much sweet potatoes, and the inedible, aged sweet potato vines can be used to feed livestock. Also, the leftover corn cobs after the kernels are removed can be crushed and used for feed, so nothing goes to waste. Nowadays, buying anything outside is expensive. If we raise our own, wouldn’t it be cheaper than buying at a high price from outside? Moreover, when the retired soldiers from the army come, they will have something to do, avoiding idleness and wastage of our food supplies—it’s killing two birds with one stone.”

Xiao Xi, having lived on Zhuangzi, truly learned a lot of skills and was able to put them into practice. The idea was quite good, and Su Wenyue fully agreed with it upon hearing it, especially since she had experienced her previous life, she felt even more deeply about it.

In the past two years of famine, because food was scarce, even when she lived in the Sikong Mansion as ‘Sikong Ling’s favorite concubine’, her meals were very frugal. Eventually, in the hardest times, eating meat became a luxury, only enjoyed once every few days. Although there was suspicion that the Mistress took advantage of the situation to deliberately withhold provisions, it also showed the grim reality of the time. Not to mention the commoners, whose days were even harder.

Not just in the coming years of potential famine, but even now, buying livestock was expensive unless raised on one’s own estate. Ordinary people couldn’t even feed themselves, let alone have food to raise livestock.

“This is a great idea, Xiao Xi, you are becoming more and more competent. Do as you proposed—the space can be left a little larger to raise more, as we have many people.” Su Wenyue fully affirmed Xiao Xi’s idea and gave her carte blanche to proceed, even urging her to come forward with any more ideas she might have. While Su Wenyue had the experience of a past life and knew a bit more, she was not as skilled as Xiao Xi in farming and could only give a general idea and direct the people underneath her.

“Madam, rest assured, I will handle everything properly.” Knowing that the Madam had always trusted her, Xiao Xi was even more motivated to do her best and not let the Madam down.

The mistress and her servant discussed some arrangements for what to do after the arrival of the retired, disabled soldiers. While they were talking, a servant came in to report that a woman wanted to see Su Wenyue.

“Who is this woman?”

“I asked, but the woman refused to say. She only mentioned that she would reveal everything to the Madam.”

Su Wenyue frowned slightly upon hearing this. Although she did not know who the woman was, it was indeed quite impolite. Announcing one’s identity is the most basic etiquette when visiting someone’s home. The woman’s actions implied a lack of regard for her and even seemed provocative.

Seeing Su Wenyue frowning, the servant added, “The woman is dressed lavishly and is accompanied by many servants. She is likely not an ordinary Miss, and she seems very proud, probably not easy to deal with. Do you want to meet her, Madam?”

“Now that you say that, I am indeed curious to meet her. Xiao Xi, go and welcome her in. I want to see who she is,” Su Wenyue, who was never one to shy away from trouble, felt a sensitive nerve triggered, suspecting this had something to do with Han Yu.

“Yes, I’ll bring her in right now.” With such a scenario, it was difficult not to speculate, and Xiao Xi seemed to have some guesses as she headed out with a fighting spirit, eager to see which woman had the audacity to challenge her mistress!

Zhou Yao, accompanied by several servants, was waiting at the entrance, growing impatient. Noticing that Su Wenyue did not come to greet her personally and had instead sent a servant girl, Zhou Yao’s expression darkened further. How dare an ordinary merchant’s daughter slight her! Little did she realize that she hadn’t announced her identity, giving no reason for Su Wenyue to personally welcome her. Furthermore, even if she had revealed her status, she wouldn’t have qualified for such consideration, her arrogance merely stemming from her self-important position as the City Lord’s wife’s niece.

Zhou Yao’s servant girl knew her mistress well and knew what she was thinking by the look on her face. With arrogance, she pointed at Xiao Xi, “Madam Han sure produces quite the spectacle. Our miss comes to visit, and you only send a lowly maid to greet us. Are you looking down on the people from the City Lord Mansion?”

Xiao Xi, although initially only hearing about it, now witnessing their attitude first-hand, felt it was even more outrageous than the servant’s description, especially as they showed no respect for her mistress. She was extremely angered.

However, Xiao Xi was not the same as before. Although still impulsive, she had become seasoned and managed to stay calm despite her rage, particularly because the others were invoking the authority of the City Lord’s Mansion. Uncertain of their status, she was wary of offending them, not wanting to cause trouble for her Madam.

“I do not know which Miss you are. When the concierge came in, he did not clearly state the identity of the visitor. Therefore, my Madam sent me,” Xiao Xi wanted to clarify their status before taking any action. Judging by the age, she seemed about the same as the City Lord’s only daughter, but when Liu Xinru briefly visited with Liu Xiu that day, she looked different from the woman before her. Could it be? Xiao Xi had some guesses but still wanted to get a clear answer.

“How dare you, a mere maid, inquire about my mistress’s identity? You should just tell your Madam to come out and greet us directly. Otherwise, don’t say I didn’t warn you. This is Peicheng, and offending someone from the City Lord Mansion will not bode well for you,” the woman referred to as the miss remained silent, her maid expressing her intentions instead. She was here to trouble Su Wenyue, aiming to intimidate her, so she was hardly likely to be polite.

Unless the City Lord and City Lord’s wife themselves came, even if it were the City Lord’s only daughter, she could not expect the Madam to welcome her in person. Even though they were currently staying in Peicheng, the Madam was still a General’s wife. Furthermore, this self-proclaimed Miss, who wasn’t even the City Lord’s only daughter, had no grounds for such arrogance.

With these thoughts, Xiao Xi maintained a respectful demeanor, “I am but a servant girl and do not deserve to inquire about this Miss’s identity. However, our Madam is not someone who meets with just anybody. If you do not wish to reveal your identity, we will have to respectfully decline.”