Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 393: Chapter 400: Highly Likely
Su Wenyue had always kept an eye on Chen Li’s movements, and it wasn’t long before news of Chen Li’s mishaps reached Su Wenyue’s ears. A smile curled at the corners of her lips. In her previous life, the Noble Consort Li had everything go her way, which made her overly confident and unwilling to accept failure. This time, she had made a fool of herself.

In her previous life, Chen Li indeed succeeded despite the initial difficulties. Gradually, through her dedicated management, Chen Li turned losses into profits and eventually opened up the market, proving she had some real skills. Unfortunately, this time with Su Wenyue’s interference, Chen Li could only admit defeat.

Su Wenyue felt perhaps she was truly a selfish person, to use what she knew from her previous life to plot against Chen Li and feel neither guilt nor embarrassment; rather, she felt a sense of satisfaction. After all, Chen Li had her eye on Su Wenyue’s man and posed a threat to her mother’s family. It was better to strike first than suffer later; Su Wenyue couldn’t allow Chen Li to become powerful enough to contend with the Su Family.

These maneuvers by Su Wenyue couldn’t escape Han Yu’s notice. Su Wenyue hadn’t intended to conceal them from Han Yu, and although he couldn’t fathom why Su Wenyue was so wary of Chen Li, he knew Chen Li was indeed a bit sinister. As long as his wife’s actions didn’t harm him, Han Yu wouldn’t interfere. If anything, knowing that Su Wenyue was suppressing Chen Li’s business, Han Yu even gave a push from behind.

These days, thanks to the efforts of Liu Xiu and Han Yu, many dangers had been cleared from outside, bringing much peace. Su Wenyue’s store was also nearly ready to open. Specific tasks were handled by Fu Lu. Su Wenyue had only provided the designs along with some ideas and concepts. The rest was managed by her hands-off approach. Now that the shop’s decor was complete, it was time for her to take a look.

The situation outside had stabilized significantly, so Han Yu no longer stopped Su Wenyue from going out. However, he still provided ample security for her, all trustworthy soldiers trained by him. Su Wenyue didn’t want to make a fuss and draw attention, so the soldiers were disguised as household servants.

“I know you dislike me managing you, but I must be clear. I won’t stop you from going out, but there is one condition—you must take enough people with you and never go out alone. If I find out you did, there won’t be a next time. You can call me domineering or get angry, but I won’t budge!” Han Yu knew his wife’s temperament, so he made his stance clear from the start.

Seeing Han Yu so serious, Su Wenyue knew he meant it. She nodded, though in her heart she felt that Han Yu was making a big deal out of nothing. The outside had already been cleaned up, and peace was restored within the prefecture. Even for safety, bringing a few people should suffice, and with Qi Luo, who was skilled in martial arts, accompanying her, why make such a big deal of going out? But Su Wenyue, being clever, didn’t voice these thoughts, acknowledging that Han Yu had already given in by agreeing to her starting a business. She didn’t want to push her luck, and she could see that Han Yu was serious.

“I understand, don’t worry. I always bring people with me when I go out.”

Su Wenyue arrived at her shop, located at the most thriving center of Yiyang Prefecture. Even in such times, there was a constant stream of people, with no sign of decline—evidence of the wealth among Yiyang’s residents. No matter the era, it is always the poor who suffer the most.

The shop was actually acquired from Sikong Ling in exchange for a Colorful exquisite lamp, consisting of two floors in such a prime location. Even Su Family’s shops weren’t located as well. If one were to buy it under normal circumstances, it would be at an unimaginable price, and usually unattainable for the average person.

Thinking about how she had taken the most precious part of the Colorful exquisite lamp and let Sikong Ling bear the risks that came with it, and then obtained such a valuable shop in return, Su Wenyue still felt a bit guilty.

Fu Lu, though respected and valued by his master, was well aware of his place and never overstepped his status. Upon Su Wenyue’s arrival, he respectfully welcomed her in.

“Madam, you’ve arrived. The shop is fully decorated. Please take a look and see if it meets your satisfaction. We still have a few days before the grand opening. If there’s anything you’re not pleased with, I can make changes,” Fu Lu said, genuinely worried there might be something that didn’t satisfy his master, even though he was quite pleased with the results. He knew that their master’s taste was far beyond what servants like them could compare to. The shop ended up looking so good thanks to the master’s designs and suggestions, which he and the workers discussed and improved upon.

“Good job, it’s quite nice. Uncle Fu, you are truly capable. No wonder my father always praises you. This shop is decorated more beautifully than I had anticipated. Many flaws and deficiencies that I hadn’t noticed have been addressed,” Su Wenyue nodded in approval, her satisfaction obvious. Uncle Fu’s efficiency and abilities were undeniable. Without such an assistant, sent by her father, just the decor could have taken much longer, not to mention anything else.

“This is what I ought to do. It’s good that Madam is satisfied,” Fu Lu said, feeling pleased to see Su Wenyue content, but his years of discipline and training prevented him from showing it outwardly, maintaining his composed appearance which further satisfied Su Wenyue.

Su Wenyue was opening a department store, not just any ordinary small shop. Ordinary small stores mainly catered to the commoners, whereas her store aimed at the wealthier upper class. No matter the times, there are always wealthy people, even in chaotic times. Su Wenyue’s idea for the department store was inspired by Chen Li’s store from her previous life, though she made numerous amendments, mostly in the details. Wealthy people pay more attention to these nuances. When life gets better and people have money, they become more particular, and being truly from that era, Su Wenyue’s ideas were more in tune with people’s thoughts of the time.

Before, Su Wenyue had pondered why the Imperial Consort Li, being exceedingly clever to reach such heights, had ideas that seemed so irrational, even conflicting with traditional morals and customs, sparking much controversy and ultimately leading to her downfall.

With the perspective of rebirth, Su Wenyue thought even more about it. Chen Li didn’t seem like someone from their dynasty, perhaps like Su Wenyue, she had her own strange fate, or else how could a person change so dramatically overnight? Maybe Chen Li was no longer the true Chen Li but someone else dwelling in her body. Before, Su Wenyue didn’t believe such bizarre things existed in the world, but now she felt it was indeed possible.

Discussing origins and status, Chen Li’s background was too ordinary and common. Her family’s condition was just slightly better than average commoners, with Chen Li’s father engaged in some small business and having some savings, a typical middle-class family, barely better than some, yet not quite on par with others. Such families were dime a dozen; that’s why Su Wenyue, when she asked Su Hengyi to investigate, did not find anything immediately.