Chapter 281: Chapter 289: Wanting to Play a Little Dirty
“Are you suggesting that they may have good fortune in the future?” The An Family woman was not foolish and instantly understood her daughter’s meaning.

“Fortune is hard to predict, but I think that Eldest Aunt has raised both cousins quite well. Both cousins possess gentle dispositions and compassionate hearts, and crucially, they have the decisiveness and responsibility when needed. Such people, as long as they have some luck, could soar to unbelievable heights and reach positions beyond others’ imaginations,” Su Wenyue said, her mind inadvertently drifting back to her previous life when she was not yet dead; Lan Xin had already securely taken her place as a Marquess, while Lan Fang’s son had grown up to be a wise and restrained prince. Concubine Lan was an unassuming yet undeniable presence in the palace. She didn’t know what happened afterward or who eventually took that position. According to Sikong Ling, Lan Fang’s son also had the potential to compete.

As Su Wenyue spoke, she noticed her mother reflecting thoughtfully. Setting aside events from her previous life, she genuinely felt Lan Xin and Lan Fang were commendable, so to the An Family matriarch, she added, “To take a step back, after spending some time with both cousins, I truly find them to be amiable and grateful. As long as kindness is sincerely offered, they will remember it.”

Having retraced her past life’s circumstances, Su Wenyue did not know if they had changed in this life because of her rebirth. She did not state her thoughts too clearly. The cleverer the person, the more intricate their thoughts and they tended to imply rather than elaborate, which was sufficient for the An Family matriarch to understand.

“Since Lan Xin and Lan Fang are both commendable, it’s only right for me, as their aunt, to provide more support. Don’t worry, since you consider them sisters, they are my daughters as well. At the very least, they won’t be wronged in our Second House.”

“I know my mother is the best,” Su Wenyue knew that since her mother had said as much, she would keep her word. If Lan Xin and Lan Fang continued on the same trajectory as in her previous life, at the very least, they wouldn’t be mistreated, even if they weren’t given special care by the Second House, and that was sufficient.

“By the way, mother, keep an eye on that Miss Cousin from the Pei family. I believe she is a troublemaker. Keep a closer watch to prevent her from causing any mess while staying in our Second House, lest she tarnishes our family’s reputation,” Su Wenyue added, though not truly concerned about the An Family matriarch being taken advantage of by Pei Yuhan, for in her mother’s presence, Pei Yuhan’s tricks were nothing more than a light appetizer. It was just a bit of mischievous intent surfacing, wanting to stir trouble, as her mother always doted on her the most. Knowing that Pei Yuhan had framed and slandered her, the girl’s days were bound to be difficult.

As expected, the An Family matriarch frowned upon hearing Su Wenyue’s words, “What happened? Is there something wrong with this Miss Pei? What did she do to you?”

When the An Family matriarch inquired, Su Wenyue recounted what had happened earlier at Mrs. Pei’s place and shared some of Pei Yuhan’s past misdeeds learned from the Lan sisters. With her own mother, there was no need for reservations; she spilled everything.

The An Family matriarch had a less-than-favorable impression of Pei Yuhan already, and now she had even less regard for her. How dare she, while staying at the Su family, set traps for her daughter!

“Although she is the niece of your Eldest Aunt from her mother’s family and the legitimate daughter of the governor of Jiangzhou, she was raised by a stepmother, and it shows in her deficient character, hence these indecent acts,” the An Family matriarch, as a person of refinement, did not ordinarily speak ill of others, so these words were serious indeed. Character was paramount, and a flawed character was utterly disqualifying.

“You don’t worry about this matter; mother will surely vindicate you. However, since Pei Yuhan is your Eldest Aunt’s niece, one must respect the face of the Buddha for the sake of the monk. When speaking in front of your aunt, don’t be too harsh to avoid putting her in a tough spot. If Pei Yuhan truly upsets you, just tell me, and I’ll have my own way of handling her,” she assured.

“Understood, mother. I’ll do as you say,” Su Wenyue, her objective achieved, happily hugged her mother’s arm. Now that her mother had spoken, Pei Yuhan’s stay at the Su family would be far from pleasant.

After discussing these matters, Su Wenyue brought up Han Yu’s promotion and his transfer to the Prefecture General Camp in the city. The An Family matriarch was naturally elated for her daughter-in-law. Whatever dissatisfaction she had felt towards her son-in-law turned into approval. She had not expected him to ascend to the position of a Sixth Rank Commander so quickly. Other than the initial appointments which had been facilitated by the Su Family, his later achievements were all due to his own efforts, showing true ability. The Father-in-law’s judgment was always accurate, though the engagement had also been influenced by that Old Monk who had come out of nowhere.

“Since your Husband is being transferred to the Prefecture General Camp, you and the children must go with him. Fortunately, he doesn’t take office until after the New Year, so there is enough time to arrange everything. What is your plan?” Every mother worries endlessly, and after rejoicing, she soon began making plans for her daughter.

“We plan to buy a house in the city and move in before the New Year. Although the office is not until after the New Year, it’s our first time going to the city, unfamiliar with everything. We must prepare in advance for all matters, as well as social obligations. It will also be good to take advantage of the New Year period to learn about the situation at the Prefecture General Camp, which will make things easier once we’re there,” Su Wenyue explained their plans to the An Family matriarch; wary of the unknown, she was naturally concerned, as military camp affairs were no simpler than those in officialdom.

The An Family matriarch nodded in agreement: “That makes sense. Now, we don’t have much time left, so we should plan ahead. It’s best to have living arrangements settled before the New Year to avoid rushing around afterward. There is a house owned by our family in the city; you could move in there for the time being.”

The An Family matriarch offered this without needing to seek the consent of her husband or son, for the Second House had only this one daughter. Even though she was married off, she would forever be a daughter of the Su Family, and her father and elder brother would dote on her even more than her mother would, ready to help whenever possible.

“Mother, there’s no need. Husband has already asked someone to look at houses. These days are difficult for many people; there are plenty selling properties, so we’re bound to find something suitable. If it comes to it, I won’t hesitate to ask for your help,” she replied.

“Fine, handle it as you see best. If there’s any difficulty, speak up. Don’t grow distant from your Father and Mother. No matter where you go, you are our daughter,” the An Family matriarch reassured her.

Feeling touched by these words, Su Wenyue said, “I know, Mother. I know you care for me the most.”

In the afternoon, worrying for Su Wenyue, Han Yu came personally to pick her up and also told her there was news about a potential house in the city, which greatly pleased her. She had not expected Han Yu to handle it so efficiently.

“Don’t be too happy just yet. Although we’ve received promising news about the house, we still need to see it for ourselves and ensure it’s satisfactory,” he cautioned her.