Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 597: Chapter 603: Swift and Decisive Action

“General Han, please wait a moment. This wretched girl has offended Madam Ling, and I must make things right in front of everyone today, otherwise I won’t be at ease,” Liu Wenyong said, his sincerity absolute as he intended to win over Han Yu.

“City Lord, there’s no need for that. I trust that you, as a person, will handle this fairly. I didn’t come here today to seek retribution, only to understand your stance so I can be at peace. As for Miss Zhou Biao, this is an internal matter of the City Lord Mansion, and I, being an outsider, will not interfere. I take my leave,” Han Yu said and performed a farewell salute to Liu Wenyong before departing.

“I’ll see you out,” Liu Wenyong said, not insisting further. He deemed Han Yu a smart person who could uphold his own principles and maintain propriety in his actions, such as not lingering in this case. Staying would have been understandable to seek justice for his wife, but doing so might have seemed petty.

“Really? So you went to take action for me? Why didn’t you say so earlier!” Su Wenyue said, her face full of smiles, clearly delighted by the thought that, even as an ordinary woman, Han Yu had taken such a stand for her. The gesture itself was heartening, regardless of the outcome.

“Another woman has come to bully my wife, how could I, as your husband, simply sit by and do nothing?” Han Yu thought to himself that no one, except him, was allowed to bully his woman.

“Husband, you’re the best, but why didn’t you stay longer at the City Lord Mansion? Who knows how City Lord will deal with Zhou Yao?” Su Wenyue had never met anyone more detestable than Zhou Yao. Even if that act might have been fabricated, Su Wenyue still loathed her.

“You,” Han Yu said as he tapped Su Wenyue’s forehead, not mentioning that had he stayed, the outcome for Zhou Yao might have been different. If the City Lord’s wife had pleaded on her behalf, he couldn’t have completely ignored it. By leaving, the matter was settled; Liu Wenyong had to make recompense and wouldn’t let Zhou Yao off lightly. Besides, Han Yu had no interest in watching a woman be punished.

“Rest assured, Zhou Yao will pay the price for her actions, and the City Lord will give us an explanation,” he assured.

Su Wenyue nodded, never doubting Han Yu’s judgment. Since Han Yu had said so, there must have been a reason.

After the incident, Su Wenyue considered it a minor matter and didn’t dwell on it, instead focusing on the important tasks at hand.

The military camp had been rife with slander and rumors for quite some time, and it was time to put an end to them. Armed with a list of names, Han Yu acted swiftly, quelling the rumors and silencing any negative talk about Su Wenyue in the camp.

“Alright, here is the list of people staying. Those whose names were not called, take your settlement fee and leave the military camp promptly,” Fang Xin read out the names from the list, causing an immediate wave of disgruntled murmurs among those not chosen.

“Why? We too were injured on the battlefield and had to retire. Why can they stay with Madam Han while we’re only given this small settlement fee and sent away? It’s not fair!”

“Yes, it’s unfair. Why are we treated this way? We demand justice,” they exclaimed.

Though these men feared their superiors, the issue touched on their livelihoods, overriding their fear as they openly expressed their dissatisfaction. Everyone present who wasn’t chosen to stay voiced their agreement.

Fang Xin looked down at these people without sympathy, her tone even mocking. If not for the fact that they were merely influenced by others and hadn’t committed serious offenses, and they had indeed shed blood on the battlefield, they would have disappeared quietly, just like others before them.

“Silence! Look around and realize where you are. You have no right to make such a commotion here! You want an explanation? Fine, I will give you one right now,” Fang Xin said and summoned a subordinate who brought a ledger. As she read from it, the unrest among the crowd faded, replaced by fear and trepidation.

They hadn’t expected their private discussions and complaints about Madam Han to have been overheard and recorded, and it now served as the reason they couldn’t stay. They dared not refute, realizing that criticizing the General’s Wife could have led to their punishment. Given that they were standing here unharmed was already a testament to the General’s leniency, and they didn’t dare hope for more.

“Have you nothing else to say? When Madam Han offered to shelter you and ensure you had food to eat, you were unsatisfied and desired more, even tarnishing her reputation. Even animals know to be grateful, yet you have shown no appreciation for her kindness. What makes you think you’re entitled to help from her? Just because you were injured on the battlefield? To put it bluntly, did you fight and risk your lives for her? If you make a mistake, there are consequences. People like you cannot be helped by her, even with a charitable heart; who knows what ungrateful things you might do if her assistance isn’t up to your expectations,” Fang Xin rebuked harshly, leaving them regretful but silent. In their hearts, they knew they would have made the same decision if they were in her position, for no one wishes to be the farmer betrayed by the snake in the story.

After Fang Xin’s speech, those unable to stay could only quietly pack their belongings and leave, their regret their only solace. Meanwhile, those allowed to remain, already of good nature, felt even more grateful to Su Wenyue for taking them in and became increasingly loyal to her.

“Madam, the people have been brought here as you requested,” Fang Xin announced as she led the crowd into the courtyard, which suddenly seemed crowded.

Han Yu had briefed Su Wenyue beforehand, so she wasn’t surprised by the influx of people. Since Han Yu had likely already addressed them prior, she didn’t say much more. Putting aside this rumor incident, these war-wounded soldiers still deserved respect for risking their lives on the front lines to ensure safety at home. She didn’t want to compound their injuries with emotional wounds.

“Now that you’re here, we’re family. I’m sure the General has already gone over the necessary details, so I won’t repeat them. I have only this to say: You’re here now, settle in peacefully. My capabilities are limited; I may not be able to provide you with a life of luxury, but as long as you’re willing to work together, at least securing a living is not an issue,” she reassured.