Chapter 415: Chapter 422: A Problem of Education
“Alright, take your time to think it over, and make a decision once you are ready,” Han Yu didn’t press Su Wenyue further. Now that the situation had been made clear to his wife, the rest was up to her to decide. Firstly, Su Wenyue’s resolute attitude had startled Han Yu, and secondly, Han Yu actually hoped that his wife would stay by his side. It was only for her safety that he had considered having her leave, but now he had come to see that experiencing joys and hardships together wouldn’t be so bad. As long as he made careful arrangements, it might still be possible to ensure his wife’s safety.
However, when it came to the three children, Han Yu felt they were still too young. If his wife was willing, entrusting them to trustworthy people to be raised on the Zhuangzi might be a good solution.
After sharing his thoughts, Su Wenyue had her own considerations. Not only was she not entirely confident in leaving the children’s upbringing to others since servants, no matter how loyal, had their limitations, but, more importantly, Brother Xing was different from other children.
“Husband, I was thinking that perhaps it’s best to keep the children with us. This is the most critical time for their upbringing, and I’m not comfortable entrusting them to others. Besides, our situation isn’t the worst; as long as everything is well arranged and not too dangerous, we can make other arrangements if really necessary. When it comes to enduring hardships, isn’t there a saying ‘Poor People’s children take charge of the household early’? It’s good for the children to experience some hardship; it helps them grow.”
Han Yu had only thought about the children’s safety and had not considered this aspect. Hearing Su Wenyue’s words, he very much agreed and nodded. His wife was far-sighted and thoughtful. She was already considering the children’s upbringing at such a young age.
In the past, Han Yu had seen many children from Wealthy families raised in pampering and luxury, becoming wastrels, and it was something he disliked. Watching his wife dote on the children, he had been a bit worried that she might spoil them. Now, it seemed that his wife was not one of those ignorant women who would simply spoil her children without limits. No wonder their children were so well-behaved. Whenever colleagues or friends visited, they always praised the three children.
“Wife, I’ll listen to you. I’m usually busy with matters outside and neglect the children too much. It’s your effort that has made the children so well-behaved; you have worked hard!” Han Yu took his wife’s hand. He wasn’t like those arrogant men who behaved like Old masters in front of their wives, thinking it was natural for their wives to raise children well. Whenever he had time, he also took care of the children himself and knew how difficult it was to properly educate a Child. The effort required was much more than people could see, and in their case, they had three to raise.
“Oh, it’s my duty. They are my direct relatives, born after ten months of pregnancy, my own flesh and blood. As long as they can grow up safe and healthy, I am willing to do anything for them. Besides, their obedience is not entirely my doing; they are sensible themselves. Brother Xing, especially, as Eldest Son, is a good role model. Despite his little age, he knows how to look after his younger brother and sister.”
Facing Han Yu’s sincere gratitude, Su Wenyue felt somewhat ashamed and embarrassed. In her previous life, although she had been a Mother once, she hadn’t been a competent one. It was fortunate that Brother Xing had been sensible from a young age, with many things handled by this tiny Child. She truly didn’t deserve to be Brother Xing’s mother! In this life, despite trying to be a good mother, there were still areas where she fell short. Still, Brother Xing remained sensible. Not only did he behave well, but he also took good care of his younger brother and sister, who, in turn, particularly listened to Brother Xing, their big brother.
“Brother Xing indeed acts like an Elder brother and does me, Han Yu, proud as my Eldest Son!” Speaking of his children, Han Yu was very pleased, especially with the sensible Eldest Son. At an age when many children still understood nothing, Brother Xing was already managing to take care of his younger siblings without causing any worries for his parents.
“Of course, not just Brother Xing, but Brother Chen and Sister Yu are also very smart and sensible. They are all good children,” Su Wenyue added. Although Brother Xing held a special place in her heart, all of them were her children, and she wouldn’t favor one over the others. She had the same expectation for Han Yu, not wanting the children to harbor any grievances or to let unequal treatment affect the siblings’ feelings toward one another. With multiple siblings, this was particularly important to pay attention to.
So far, the problem that Su Wenyue worried about had not occurred. Brother Xing always considered his younger siblings first whenever he had anything good. Once, Su Wenyue quietly observed the two younger ones squabbling over a toy; Brother Xing was patiently explaining to them how to behave, which only added to her comfort in witnessing such a scene.
“Daddy! Mother!” As they say, speak of the devil and he shall appear. Just as Han Yu and Su Wenyue were discussing the children, Brother Chen and Sister Yu came running inside from outside, warmly calling out to their parents. Brother Xing followed steadily behind them, telling his younger brother and sister to slow down and not trip.
“Mother, why are you crying?” Sister Yu, with her keen eyes, noticed something was amiss as soon as she walked in. Su Wenyue had not wiped away the traces of her earlier tears, and the observant Little guy spotted them.
After hearing Sister Yu’s words, Brother Chen also looked carefully at Su Wenyue’s face, with the air of a little adult: “Mother, why are you crying? Did daddy bully you? Daddy’s naughty and should be punished!”
The three Little guys spent more time with their mother, naturally feeling a deeper affection for her, and all sided with their mother. Especially Brother Xing, who had been walking over calmly, quickened his steps upon hearing that Su Wenyue had cried, rushing to her side worriedly. Seeing the tear stains on Su Wenyue’s face, he frowned with concern and glance at Han Yu with a hint of accusation, looking very much like a little adult.
“Mother, if you’ve suffered any grievance, don’t be sad. Tell me and I will alleviate your worries!” Brother Xing said, and while his gaze clearly conveyed reproach towards Han Yu, as a Child he couldn’t defy filial piety by rebuking his parents. Thus, he spoke diplomatically, even though his tone was quite dissatisfied.
Su Wenyue appreciated the intimacy of her three children, yet she did not want this to cause them to hold any negative opinions of their Father. Even if there were arguments or disputes with Han Yu, they were always away from the children. Seeing the misunderstanding, she hurriedly explained: “You three siblings have misunderstood. Your Mother isn’t distressed; it’s just tears of joy, tears shed from extreme happiness.”
Upon hearing this, Sister Yu, cocking her head, seemed to understand but also not quite: “Tears from extreme happiness? Sister Yu knows what it means. Big brother said it’s crying because you’re happy, but why cry when you’re happy? Sister Yu only cries when she’s unhappy. Mother, are your tears because you’re happy?”
Listening to Sister Yu’s childish words, Su Wenyue explained even more patiently.