Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 602: Chapter 608: Suspecting the Origins

Su Wenyue was well aware of the situation, but she couldn’t make her actions too obvious. After exchanging pleasantries with Yin Lihua, she saw Chen Li approaching. Compared to dealing with Yin Lihua, Su Wenyue actually preferred interacting with Chen Li, as it was less exhausting. Although Yin Lihua had gotten along fairly well with her in the past, such people could be merciless in their schemes once interests were involved. Chen Li, on the other hand, was an ambitious woman with a strong desire for power, yet she was more straightforward. Moreover, Han Yu had somehow managed to intimidate Chen Li—who originally had her sights set on seducing men—reducing her to a mouse in the presence of a cat, not daring to plot against Su Wenyue.

What’s more, Chen Li and the Su Family had reached some sort of tacit understanding and agreement. Unlike before, their interests were not only untangled but even aligned in some aspects. No one knew what the future held, but at least for now, Su Wenyue didn’t need to be too wary of Chen Li.

“Madam Han, it has been a long time since we last met. Madam Han becomes more beautiful with each passing day. It’s a pity to see you with that iceberg-faced husband.” Chen Li sighed upon seeing Su Wenyue, though she was merely mouthing the words to retaliate against Han Yu’s incivility. She knew in her heart that a man like Han Yu was rare, capable and faithful to his wife. Unlike others, he didn’t flirt outside nor afford any other woman even a pleasant countenance, which made him far superior to Liu Xiu.

But she had already made her choice and Han Yu would not be interested in her anyway. In her view, relying on a man was less reliable than holding onto power and money in her own hands.

“Miss Chen is becoming more beautiful as well, and seems very much like a female general,” replied Su Wenyue with a smile. Chen Li had been increasingly devoted to business and external affairs, with Liu Xiu valuing her contributions even more, especially in these difficult times. The army’s supplies were largely provided by the Su Family and Chen Li, a testament to the woman’s remarkable capabilities.

“Madam Han jests. I’m but a businessman who only brightens at the sight of money, not some female general. It’s my necessity, having no powerful mother’s family to back me up. I must rely on myself to make a living,” said Chen Li modestly, yet with a hint of pride. As a woman from a different era, Chen Li’s values differed from the women of this time, who depended on men. Chen Li was fiercely independent—a notion that financial independence was prerequisite to personal autonomy.

Su Wenyue had known about Chen Li in her previous life and admired how freely and boldly the woman lived, despite her eventual tragic fate. Now, observing Chen Li’s expressions and demeanor, Su Wenyue guessed what Chen Li was thinking. It seemed that her rebirth had changed many things, but not the essence. Like Chen Li, if her mindset persisted, she might repeat her previous life’s ending. Although Liu Xiu didn’t value Yin Lihua as much in this life, Chen Li’s thoughts and actions were unacceptable in this era.

“Such ability in Miss Chen really commands admiration,” thought Su Wenyue, yet she said with a smile, “Miss Chen’s capabilities are truly admirable.”

She was ultimately self-centered, finding it hard enough to change her own and her family’s fates and not wishing to invite more trouble for herself and Han Yu. Though her view of Chen Li had changed considerably, she knew that even if she warned her, Chen Li was unlikely to alter her mindset. Moreover, Liu Xiu probably preferred Chen Li’s current state as it served his needs. Thus, Su Wenyue, despite her understanding, could only remain silent on certain matters.

“Madam Han isn’t lacking either. Not to mention the stores Madam Han runs, the recently established greenhouse is something beyond ordinary people’s imagination. Honestly, I’m quite curious how a woman like Madam Han, who has been raised sheltered in the women’s quarters since childhood, could be so knowledgeable about farming and come up with so many innovative ideas?”

Chen Li asked tentatively. When Su Wenyue had opened the Heavenly Pavilion, its modern style fitting in with ancient customs had led to Chen Li’s Xiuli Department Store being outcompeted. Initially, she suspected an internal traitor among her subordinates had leaked crucial ideas to Su Wenyue, as she did not seem like a modern person in any way. But then Su Wenyue had built the greenhouse and initiated a range of other projects.

At that point, Chen Li became suspicious. Could Su Wenyue genuinely be a person from the modern era, just better at concealing it? The technology of the greenhouse, Chen Li knew, was something she had considered but hadn’t yet pursued, while Su Wenyue had already constructed it.

Chen Li didn’t believe that Su Wenyue could have researched it by herself, given that she was a pampered daughter from a well-off family, with no understanding of farming, let alone the ability to invent such things. Where had the technology for the greenhouse come from?

Harboring doubts, Chen Li probed with her question, seeking to find out if Su Wenyue was a fellow contemporary from modern times.

Chen Li was still too naive, with her obvious probing easily detected by Su Wenyue, who immediately became alert. Of course, Su Wenyue wasn’t concerned about being perceived as a modern person; she was a genuine ancient through and through. Her main fear was the revelation of her rebirth.

If people came to know about her miraculous experience, they might consider her a demon, giving them leverage against Han Yu. That was a secret she absolutely couldn’t reveal. Chen Li’s probing raised the question: had she discovered something?

“Miss Chen jests. I’m indeed not very skilled in agricultural affairs, though I do have some knowledge, as I own several farms. If I knew nothing, wouldn’t I be easily deceived by my own people? As for innovative ideas, it’s not necessarily all me. My people are loyal and diligent, and they’re the ones who come up with many fresh ideas. I have announced that whoever contributes will be rewarded, which has made them more enthusiastic.”

Su Wenyue spoke ambiguously, seemingly answering Chen Li’s question but not directly addressing the core issue. However, if Chen Li were wise, she would let the matter rest. After all, this involved business secrets that nobody would reveal. Su Wenyue understood that Chen Li was aware of the greenhouse technology.

But Chen Li was not one to take a hint. Her nature was to pursue her goals till the end. Suspecting that Su Wenyue came from the same place as she did, or had subordinates who did—thus knowing about these modern technologies—she refused to accept such vague responses.