Chapter 23: It Was a Funeral After All

Su Hanwei had never worn a servant’s attire in her life. Was she truly expected to make an exception just to see Xu Mu? What kind of indecency would it be for Xu Mu to see her dressed like a common servant? Furthermore, what did the Xu family’s funeral have to do with her? Her presence alone was already the greatest favor she could bestow upon the Xu residence. Since she had already arrived, she would not compromise herself at every turn.

"No need."

Su Hanwei cast a look of disdain at the servant’s garments before stepping into the Xu estate. As she entered the main gate, she saw many high-ranking officials and nobles gathered in the front courtyard, conversing in small groups. The household staff were clad in mourning white, while the guests were dressed in somber, respectful attire. Su Hanwei, however, stood out sharply in her flamboyant, ornate clothing. Suddenly, she felt a flicker of regret; she perhaps should have donned that servant’s robe after all. Even if she had no connection to the Xu family, she should have at least shown respect for the deceased. Her garish appearance was simply too conspicuous.

The moment she entered, she drew a wave of stares. Many began to point at her and whisper.

"Master Su lived his entire life adhering to rules and showing respect to others. What is wrong with his granddaughter? How could she come to a funeral dressed like this?"

"This is a funeral hosted personally by Miss Xu for her foster mother. She arrives looking like this? Isn't that being far too disrespectful to the Xu family?"

"I had heard that Master Su’s granddaughter was arrogant and willful, but seeing it today, the rumors are true. What a pity for such a pretty face."

"The reputation Master Su spent a lifetime building is going to be ruined by her today."

Su Tong spotted Su Hanwei immediately and marched over in a few swift strides. Seeing her vibrant, flashy outfit, he was so infuriated he nearly erupted on the spot.

"Coming to a funeral dressed like this, have you no sense of propriety? Do you even know whose funeral this is?" Su Tong hissed through gritted teeth, struggling to suppress his rage.

"Whose funeral it is—does that have anything to do with me? You didn't explicitly state it was for a funeral, Grandfather. If I had known, I wouldn't have come at all," Su Hanwei replied, her face dark.

"Ah Fu told you to dress appropriately. Did you just treat your grandfather’s words as wind?"

No wonder Xu Mu wanted to divorce Su Hanwei. If he hadn't already sent a formal letter of separation to the Su household, he had already shown enough respect to him, an old man. She didn't even know her own mother-in-law had passed away; she was utterly unfaithful, unfilial, unkind, and unjust! How did his Su family produce such a wretched creature?

Just as Su Tong was about to speak, Su Hanwei raised a hand and pointed forward. "Grandfather, that harlot—she hit me in public before."

Su Tong turned his head to see Xu Shuangyi and Xu Mu walking toward them. The attention of the entire courtyard instantly shifted to the four of them. Many who heard Su Hanwei’s words were left speechless, their jaws dropping in shock. How dared Su Hanwei call Xu Shuangyi a harlot in public? Did she have a death wish?

"She hides behind the status of a maid in the Xu estate, acting arrogant and looking down on everyone. And yet, Grandfather, you still want to attend their funeral? It’s simply incomprehensible!" Su Hanwei said coldly.

Su Tong’s face turned black with fury. How could his family have produced such a blockheaded fool? Xu Shuangyi was Xu Mu’s foster sister, deeply favored by that old master. How could she possibly mistake her for a mere maid?

"And Grandfather, do you know why Xu Mu divorced me? It’s because he got entangled with this maid. He was the one who was unfaithful, the one who betrayed me first," Su Hanwei continued. Since she was here, she would make things clear today. She had to make her grandfather see Xu Mu’s true face.

"Look at him, Grandfather. He’s even wearing mourning clothes. How much of a bootlicker can one be to do such a thing? He’s thrown away all his dignity just to cozy up to this maid. Do you still think he’s a good match for me? A man like this, how could he ever compare to Brother Shucheng?"

Since Xu Mu had gotten involved with a servant first, what right did her grandfather have to blame her for being with Brother Shucheng? Things had already reached this point; was she supposed to grovel to win him back?

Su Tong was so angry he couldn't utter a single word. He had held a sliver of hope for their reconciliation, but with Su Hanwei spouting such nonsense in public, there was no way Xu Mu would ever forgive her. She was completely devoid of reason—she was no better than an animal!

The surrounding guests began to gossip. They all held the same opinion: Su Hanwei had clearly gone blind. It was one thing to attend her former mother-in-law's funeral dressed like a peacock, but to publicly accuse Xu Mu and Xu Shuangyi? How could the Su family produce such a person? They thought to themselves that if anyone in their own families acted like such a disgrace, they would have beaten them to death rather than let them out to embarrass the family.

Sometimes, when people are pushed to the point of extreme anger, they can't help but laugh. Xu Mu felt like laughing now. However, he didn't want to waste a single word on Su Hanwei. Why argue with a dog? It was utterly meaningless.

Xu Shuangyi bowed to the crowd. "Honored guests, thank you for coming to attend my foster mother’s funeral. Shuangyi is deeply grateful. I, along with my brother Xu Mu, offer our apologies to you all."

After speaking, she and Xu Mu bowed in unison. "I am in mourning and cannot thank each of you individually. I hope you will forgive my oversight." They bowed again.

At these words, Su Hanwei froze on the spot. What? She was Xu Shuangyi? That remarkable woman who was once famous throughout the capital? She said Xu Mu was her brother? What on earth was going on? Wasn't she a maid of the Xu family? Hadn't she been sleeping with Xu Mu? Su Hanwei’s mind descended into chaos, unable to process the truth.

"My foster mother, Zhou Wanlian, once raised me with great kindness. With her recent passing, my heart is heavy with grief. There is no greater sorrow in life than this..." After a long, mournful speech, Xu Shuangyi and Xu Mu bowed once more.

"Today is the day of my foster mother’s funeral, yet there are those here who are disrespectful and speak with malice." As she spoke, Xu Shuangyi’s gaze fell upon Su Hanwei. "I am in mourning today and should not lower myself to deal with you, but..."

Xu Shuangyi delivered a resounding slap to Su Hanwei’s face in front of everyone. The force was so great that Su Hanwei was sent spinning before rolling onto the ground. She had actually restrained herself; otherwise, she would have torn Su Hanwei’s mouth to shreds!

"Get out."

Xu Shuangyi shouted coldly, but Su Hanwei just clutched her face, stunned and unresponsive for a long time. Suddenly, she scrambled up and ran toward the mourning hall like a madwoman. As she passed by Xu Shuangyi, the latter frowned and delivered another slap, sending Su Hanwei flying back.

Su Hanwei gritted her teeth and stood up, trying to move toward the hall again. She just wanted to see if the spirit tablet inside really bore the name of Xu Mu’s mother. But Xu Shuangyi struck her again, knocking her back once more.