Chapter 316: Chapter 324: Because of Status
Sun Qianru, upon hearing Madam Sun’s words, felt more at ease, her agitation subsiding somewhat, “No matter what, as long as the Mrs. Su is humiliated, it doesn’t matter who acts. I just can’t stand her arrogant demeanor.”

“Rest assured, that Mrs. Su caused us, mother and daughter, to lose face so gravely. How could we let her off? However, you really need to curb your impatience. You’ve suffered losses by acting rashly and gaining no advantages,” Mrs. Sun, who had encountered smooth sailing in the prefecture these years, only stumbled once at the Su Mansion. She remembered that disgrace for a lifetime and how could she not harbor hatred? It was just that, with more experience, she had learned to keep her composure better than her daughter.

During these few days, Mrs. Sun had grown noticeably more diligent in visiting the various mansions. Han Yu had now developed quite a following, all capable people, and had been specifically monitoring the Sun Mansion. It didn’t take long for him to note the unusual behavior of Mrs. Sun.

The news reached Su Wenyue, who had expected it. Mrs. Sun and her daughter hated her so much they gnashed their teeth; in the past in Xinluo Town, Madam Sun was beyond reach, and Sun Qianru lacked the means. Now that they had moved to the prefecture, it would have been strange if they had remained inactive. Nevertheless, Su Wenyue had someone take note of the households Madam Sun had visited in these days, and she had a good understanding of Madam Sun’s connections, even getting a grasp on Lord Sun’s influence.

Su Wenyue, thinking about the information she could gather from Mrs. Sun’s actions, became even more cautious in her behavior, making sure not to let others easily discern her intentions.

On the day of the Governor’s Wife’s banquet, Su Wenyue got up early to dress up. Personal experience truly made a difference. The events of her previous life influenced not only her views on human relationships but also her preferences. Young girls often favored bright and delicate colors, but now she had a preference for elegant and refreshing attire. Although she usually dressed according to her own tastes, it was rare for her to dress up so extravagantly. Despite this, the attire didn’t overwhelm her; it presented a different charm, notably different from her daily appearance, especially the vivid colors that made her cheeks appear even more delicate.

Han Yu, entering from outside, found it hard to look away upon seeing Su Wenyue. Normally so calm and composed, he stood there staring at Su Wenyue, causing her to blush.

“Is there something wrong with me that you are staring so intently?” Su Wenyue asked, feeling uncomfortable.

“I’ve only seen you in those elegant and plain clothes before and thought you looked good in them, but I didn’t expect that my wife, dressed in these bright colors, could be even more stunning. Wife, you shouldn’t always wear such subdued colors. At your age, you should dress up and look beautiful,” he stated.

Who wouldn’t like to hear such flattering words? Being praised so by her own husband, Su Wenyue couldn’t help but smile with her lips pursed, “I’m no longer that young girl to be wearing such bright colors every day. It’s just that today, I am visiting the Governor’s Wife for the first time in the prefecture, and so I decided to take extra care with my dress. I couldn’t let others look down on me and tarnish your reputation. Besides, red is a festive color for the New Year.”

“Seeing you dressed so beautifully, I can hardly bear to let you leave the house, letting others glimpse your beauty,” Han Yu said with a hint of jealousy, holding Su Wenyue and not letting go.

Su Wenyue found Han Yu’s childishness amusing. It was rare for him to act this way, but it wasn’t the time for the couple to be playful. Pushing Han Yu gently, Su Wenyue said, “Husband, stop fooling around. We still have to go to the Prefecture Governor’s Mansion. Let’s not be late.”

Unable to let go, Han Yu pecked Su Wenyue lightly on the lips, “Very well, I will deal with you properly when we return tonight.” Saying this, he pulled Su Wenyue to leave.

Flustered by Han Yu’s suggestive words, especially in front of so many servants, Su Wenyue felt embarrassed. However, it wasn’t the right moment to take issue with Han Yu; internally, she scolded him for becoming increasingly improper, remembering how he used to be much more reserved when they first got married, unlike his blatant displays now.

The Prefecture Governor’s surname was Wei, with a given name Chongming. Upon arriving at Wei Mansion, Han Yu and Su Wenyue separated, led by the residence’s servants through to their respective courtyard.

Upon Su Wenyue’s arrival, Mrs. Pei and the An Family were already present, as were her sister-in-law and two cousins, including the Pei family cousin. The Governor’s Wife, Mrs. Wu, was eagerly conversing with Mrs. Pei, seemingly attentive due to Mrs. Pei’s status.

Mrs. Pei, with a faint smile responding to the Governor’s Wife, had an inscrutable expression until she saw Su Wenyue arrive and her smile became genuinely warmer, instructing her maid to lead Su Wenyue to sit beside her.

“Lady Yue, come over here. I was just thinking about when you would arrive, and here you are,” she said.

Outside was not like home, and Su Wenyue wouldn’t act rashly and forget her manners. She properly greeted Mrs. Pei and the Governor’s Wife, along with her mother and the others, before sitting down.

The Governor’s Wife, wanting to curry favor with Mrs. Pei, and seeing her demeanor towards Su Wenyue, having heard that the Marquess valued this niece highly, warmly pulled Su Wenyue over, “Here is Mrs. Su’s eldest daughter, truly beautiful, especially in today’s attire, completely outshining all the other ladies present at first sight, the most standout personality I’ve ever met.”

Unfamiliar with the temperament of the Governor’s Wife, Su Wenyue feigned shyness, smiling modestly and responding, “Governor’s Wife, you flatter me.”

However, the Governor’s Wife’s words did make some present feel uncomfortable, particularly Pei Yuhan, who was chatting with several girls. She felt especially displeased, believing herself to be superior to Su Wenyue in status, appearance, and accomplishments. To suggest Su Wenyue outdid her was something she absolutely could not accept.

Pei Yuhan pursed her lips, displeased, but such an occasion, and in front of her aunt, was not the place to express her discontent. Despite this, her mood visibly darkened.

Seeing Pei Yuhan’s reaction, the girls chatting with her had various thoughts. Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang also noticed and exchanged glances, growing wary of Pei Yuhan. She was not only petty-minded but fond of playing small tricks, potentially plotting against their cousin. They needed to be vigilant.

At that moment, Mrs. Sun and her daughter arrived. Being a general magistrate, Lord Sun held a significant position in Yiyang Prefecture, and the announcement from outside, “Magistrate’s wife arriving,” reflected this status.