Chapter 340: Chapter 348: Planning and Arrangement
“Sister Yue, the food from your home is really delicious. I’ll have to come over often, and you better not get tired of me,” Ye Xinxin spoke with her mouth still full of cakes, puffing her cheeks with each bite. She truly had found a great place. The Han Family had so many tasty things, and she felt a bit stuffed just from eating the various tea snacks.

“Xinxin, stop eating nonstop. If you keep going, you might not be able to handle the good dishes later at the banquet. Be careful not to overeat, or you’ll regret it,” Su Wenyue, knowing Ye Xinxin’s temper, spoke frankly without ceremony. Especially since Ye Xinxin looked so adorable, Su Wenyue treated her like her own younger sister. Watching Ye Xinxin’s eating manner, she couldn’t help but comment.

“There’s even more delicious food? Then I’ll need to save some room in my stomach. But Sister Yue, why are your cakes so tasty? Wrap some up for me later, I want to take them back with me.” This kid was really not shy—pigging out at someone else’s home and now wanting to take some with her.

Su Wenyue actually fell for this kind of behavior. She had always wished for a younger sister—she was the youngest in the family and bossed around every day by her two elder brothers. She also dreamed of having a little sister to boss around and to taste the domineering flavor of being an elder sister. Unfortunately, her wish remained unfulfilled. Now she had two cousins, Lan Xin and Lan Fang, but Aunt had raised them so well that manners and etiquette were etched into their bones. They couldn’t change overnight. Even their closeness had limits and wasn’t as natural as Ye Xinxin’s, who would brazenly ask for things. Su Wenyue was more than happy about it.

Of course, it depended on the person. Fate was really a peculiar thing. Su Wenyue just felt that she hit it off with Ye Xinxin. It was the same logic that led Ye Xinxin to feel that Su Wenyue was likable at first sight.

“Okay, as long as you like it, I’ll have the Kitchen prepare more for you later. The Zhuangzi recently got a fresh batch of vegetables and fruits. I’ll have someone send some to you as well. You like the sliced bamboo shoots? I have plenty here, and I guarantee you’ll have enough,” Su Wenyue said, smiling, her expression full of indulgence and pampering as she looked at Ye Xinxin.

“Sister Yue, you’re really too good to me. From now on, you’re my real older sister.” Ye Xinxin was overwhelmed with happiness. Nothing could please a foodie more than delicious eats, and her gaze towards Su Wenyue was filled with unprecedented enthusiasm and joy.

The mutual affection between the two was palpable, a fortunate thing that the men of both households didn’t see it—otherwise, they definitely would have disapproved.

But Su Wenyue’s fondness for Ye Xinxin was genuine, and there were other matters to consider. Their home was hosting guests today, and she didn’t have time for a detailed chat with Ye Xinxin. Aunt Feng’s situation weighed heavily on her. The New Year was a time for family reunions, and although it might not happen so quickly this year, Su Wenyue still hoped that Feng Susu and her child could reunite with their family soon, despite having her own mixed motives.

Su Wenyue felt something off about the Sun Family. During the last visit at the Deng Family, Madam Sun and her daughter’s attitude had shifted from their previous fear of Marquis Bei’an Mansion, trying provocations against her several times. Although their attempts were subtle, the signs revealed a lot. Pairing this with the Sun Family’s recent actions, more could be inferred. Were the Sun Family to collude with certain individuals from their own kin, given their opposing stance and the old and new grievances, it would inevitably invite trouble.

Meanwhile, in a certain courtyard, Han Lin and Mrs. Wang frowned at the noise outside, their expressions darkening because the bodyguards preventing them from leaving the courtyard.

Old Man Han, Mrs. Yang from the Main House, and the people from the Second House all went out. Han Lin had to stay behind because of his foot injury, and Mrs. Wang naturally stayed to care for him. The couple had been pleased at first, hoping to ingratiate themselves with some influential figures amid the opportunity. Little did they know that Han Yu had already been wary of them and had stationed people to guard the courtyard entrance, not allowing them to go out.

“What do you mean by this? Why are you stopping me? Do you know who I am? I’m the blood brother of your Master, and if you offend me, I’ll have the Fourth child kick you all out!” Han Lin blustered, trying to intimidate the guards outside, but to no avail. He had no choice but to stay put in the courtyard.

“Master, what does the Fourth child mean by this? How does he dare treat us like this?” Mrs. Wang said indignantly.

“It’s all because of you, you home-wrecker! If it weren’t for your sour relationship with the Fourth Daughter-in-law, the Fourth child wouldn’t have ignored our ties. Shut your mouth, keep quiet, and take care of Si Ya. If you can’t even look after a little girl properly, you have no place in the old Han Family, you home-wrecker!” Han Lin vented his anger at Mrs. Wang.

Mrs. Wang’s lips quivered, but considering her situation, she held back her words, though her expression grew darker. Her eyes, looking toward a certain direction in the courtyard, were filled with an ominous glint.

As the banquet came to a close, Su Wenyue silently sighed in relief. Everything had gone smoothly, especially with the food, which earned countless praises.

At times like these, with Prime Minister Wang’s continuous reforms, the commoners were having a hard time, and the upper class felt the effects as well. Although they were not short of clothing or food, life was getting tighter. This was even reflected at the banquet table—no longer the lavish waste of the past. Even with food stockpiled, who knew what the future held?

The Han Family’s banquet alone demonstrated their deep foundation. Even in winter, when few could afford such fresh vegetables and fruits, the Han Family managed to have food from the outer domain at the banquet. The guests, not just any guests, recognized the exotic foods on the table. Most importantly, the Han Family’s cooks were skilled, and the food was superb.

After his secret talk with Han Yu, Deng Chen knew Han Yu had everything under control and could relax. The sight of all the fine dishes filled him with satisfaction. Usually, he would just come over on short notice and never had the chance to enjoy the grand dishes prepared with time and effort. This was his first time partaking in such a feast.

Shangguan Wuyou, although showing no apparent reaction after eating, thought about bringing his wife more often in the future—fine wine, delicious food, and good company made for one of life’s greatest pleasures.

When all the guests were sent off, Su Wenyue felt as if she was falling apart. After washing up and checking on the three children, she immediately collapsed on the bed and fell asleep.

Han Yu came in to find his wife like this and felt a pang of distress, although there was no time to rest. After kissing her forehead and tucking her in, he headed to the study room. If Su Wenyue could sense the anomaly from the Sun Mansion, how could Han Yu be unaware? He was very clear about the Sun Family’s intentions. However, Han Yu didn’t know about the ace that Su Wenyue held in her hand; he could only hurry to strategize and arrange his next moves.