Chapter 84: The Will of the People
After the hustle and bustle of the homecoming celebrations subsided, the Duke's mansion returned to its former tranquility, yet something seemed to be quietly changing.
Su Wanrou clearly sensed that since her return to her parents' home, the attitude of everyone in the household towards her had undergone an indescribable yet real change. If before it was a matter of observation and scrutiny hidden beneath a facade of respect, now that respect contained a greater degree of heartfelt recognition and trust.
This change is first reflected in everyday trivial matters.
That morning, Su Wanrou was handling household chores in the flower hall as usual. The butler, Gu Zhong, came to report with the account book in hand, his attitude more respectful than ever before.
"Madam, these are the expenses for last month. Please take a look." Gu Zhong presented the account book with both hands, adding, "At this time of year, the heads of several estates in the suburbs of Beijing would come to report. Would you like me to deal with them as usual, or..."
Su Wanrou took the ledger but did not open it immediately. Instead, she looked up at Gu Zhong and said gently but firmly, "Since it is my duty, I should naturally be the one to handle it. Uncle Zhong, please make arrangements for them to come and give us a reply at the beginning of the day after tomorrow. You can also listen in at that time."
A barely perceptible hint of admiration flashed in Gu Zhong's eyes. He immediately bowed and replied, "Yes, this old servant understands. I'll go arrange it right away." As he left, his steps were lighter than usual. This young mistress was becoming more and more methodical in her dealings with people. She was neither timid and shirking responsibility nor hasty and rash. She knew when to rely on them, the elders, and this demeanor was truly admirable.
Su Wanrou opened the ledger and carefully checked all the expenses. She noticed that the amount spent on purchasing writing implements seemed to be higher than usual, so she called over the stewardess in charge of the matter to inquire.
The daughter-in-law was initially somewhat nonchalant, assuming the young lady wouldn't understand these things, and casually replied, "Reporting to Madam, the prices of good Huizhou ink and Xuan paper have recently increased, so our expenses have risen a bit."
Su Wanrou was not angry. She only glanced at her calmly, then gently pushed the ledger over and pointed out a few details: "As far as I know, the market price of pine soot ink and jade paper commonly used in the manor has not changed in the past two months. Moreover, this expenditure is nearly 30% higher than the same period last year, while there have been no large-scale imperial examinations or copying events in the manor in the past six months, so the usage should be the same. Go and find out where the mistake is, and come back to me at this time tomorrow."
The steward's wife immediately blushed, beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, and she dared not show the slightest contempt again. She repeatedly agreed and slunk away to verify the information.
The maid Qingdai, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but whisper, "Madam is truly discerning. Let's see if they dare to fool us again."
Su Wanrou smiled faintly, saying nothing more. She knew that establishing authority didn't come from harsh words, but from being clear-headed in all matters. After the incident of returning to her parents' home, the composure she displayed on behalf of the Duke's mansion, along with the support of her husband, had already made these servants dare not underestimate her anymore. Now, what she needed was to truly earn their respect through her own abilities.
This shift in public sentiment was even more evident in Gu Yangui.
During dinner, Gu Yangui casually mentioned, "In a couple of days, Princess An will be hosting a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet at her residence and has sent out invitations. If you have some free time, you should go and relax."
Su Wanrou was slightly taken aback. Princess An was a renowned lady of high social standing in the royal family, and her banquets were extremely exclusive, frequented only by the most prestigious noblewomen in the capital. In the past, such invitations were usually sent directly to the Dowager Lady, or Gu Yangui would decide on her behalf. Now, however, he had come directly to inquire about her wishes, which undoubtedly placed her truly in the position of the mistress of the Duke's mansion and acknowledged her independent social abilities.
"Does my husband think... it's appropriate for me to go?" Su Wanrou put down her chopsticks and asked softly. It wasn't that she was intimidated, but rather that she needed to confirm his attitude.
Gu Yangui placed a piece of bamboo shoots, which she liked, on her plate, and said in a casual tone, "You are the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo, so of course you can go. There's no need to feel pressured; just visit her as usual." He paused and then added, "Princess An was very close to the late Empress Dowager. She has a straightforward personality and dislikes pretentious people the most. You are just fine as you are."
These words were both an affirmation and a suggestion. Su Wanrou felt a warmth in her heart and nodded in agreement: "Alright, then I will go and bother the Princess."
What made Su Wanrou most gratified was the change in Xiao Mingxuan.
After returning from his homecoming that day, Mingxuan seemed to have completely let down his guard and truly regarded her as his mother. Although they were close before, there was always a layer between them, but now he relied on her for everything. Whenever there was something delicious or fun, the first thing he thought of was "Mother".
That afternoon, Su Wanrou was making a pair of knee pads for Gu Yangui by the window when Mingxuan came home from school and rushed in like a happy little bird, holding a piece of calligraphy he had just finished writing.
"Mommy! Mommy! The teacher praised my handwriting today! Look!" The little guy's eyes sparkled, full of anticipation for praise.
Su Wanrou took the paper. Although the characters were still immature, each stroke already showed a basic framework, indicating that he had put in the effort. She looked at it carefully, then pulled him to her side and praised him generously: "Our Mingxuan is really great! You've made great progress. This stroke of the character '永' (yong) is especially elegant. It seems that your teacher has taught you diligently, and you have also worked hard."
Mingxuan's face flushed with joy as he nestled close to her, chattering excitedly about the interesting things that happened at school. Su Wanrou listened patiently, responding gently from time to time.
When Gu Yangui returned from outside and walked to the corridor, he saw this heartwarming scene: the afterglow of the setting sun shone through the window and fell on the mother and child who were leaning on each other. Su Wanrou turned her head gently and listened to the child's words with her eyes down. She was still holding the large calligraphy in her hand, while Mingxuan leaned on her arm with complete trust and was gesturing excitedly.
He didn't go in immediately, but paused for a moment, watching quietly. The corner of his heart, frozen by years of war and the loss of his wife, seemed to melt completely in this warm scene. This home, because of her arrival, finally returned to its rightful place.
During their evening break, Gu Yangui embraced Su Wanrou and suddenly whispered, "Mingxuan is closer to you now than to me."
Su Wanrou sensed no jealousy in his tone, but rather a hint of relief and teasing, so she smiled and snuggled closer to him: "Husband, are you jealous?"
Gu Yangui chuckled softly, tightening his grip on her arm: "It's gratifying. Jiaojiao, I'm very relieved to have this family in your care."
This simple sentence touched Su Wanrou more than any praise. She knew it represented his complete trust and entrustment of her.
“The servants in the manor are increasingly respecting you now, and I’ve seen it all,” Gu Yangui continued. “You’ve done very well, even better than I imagined.”
Su Wanrou raised her head, looking at his well-defined jawline in the hazy night, and said softly, "It is my husband who is willing to let me do it and support me from behind. Without my husband, no matter how hard I try, it will be in vain."
She knew all too well that the reason the people in the manor had turned to her so quickly was ultimately because of the attitude of Gu Yangui, the head of the family. His repeated and clear defense and support were her greatest source of confidence.
Gu Yangui lowered his head and kissed her forehead: "It's because you're so capable. Jiaojiao, you deserve it."
The night was deep, and the tent was warm and cozy. Su Wanrou nestled in her husband's arms, listening to his steady heartbeat, and felt incredibly at ease.
From the initial trepidation of entering the household to gradually taking control of the family affairs and winning people's hearts, her journey has been fraught with difficulties, but also immensely rewarding. Through her sincerity, wisdom, and hard work, she has earned her husband's respect, her children's reliance, and the servants' trust.
The shifting sentiments of people may seem subtle and unpredictable, but in reality, they are all traceable. Earning sincerity for sincerity and respect through ability—this is the foundation of her position as the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo.
The road ahead may still hold challenges, but she is no longer afraid. Because she knows that no matter the storm, there will always be someone by her side, walking alongside her.
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