Chapter 385: 392: A Mind on Guard
When Han Yu returned, he saw his daughter-in-law lying sound asleep on the bed, unable to hide the fatigue on her face. He felt a pang of distress and remembered how she must have rushed here without eating properly out of concern for his injuries. Now that she knew he was alright and her worries had subsided, she could no longer stay awake, dark circles forming under her eyes.
“Madam, did you have anything to eat before you slept?”
Han Yu received a negative answer and felt even more pained. His daughter-in-law must have been worried about his injury, which was why she rushed on the road without rest. Now that she knew he was safe, she let her guard down and couldn’t hold on any longer, evident from the dark circles under her eyes.
“Master, would you like to dine first?” The servant girl saw that Han Yu had no intention of waking Su Wenyue and asked.
“No, wait for my wife to wake up, and we’ll dine together. Tell the kitchen to prepare the food.” After Han Yu finished speaking, he dismissed the servants from the room and quietly stayed by his daughter-in-law’s side. The room was silent except for the sound of breathing. For the first time in more than a year, Han Yu felt such peace and tranquility. Indeed, a place with his wife felt like a true home.
Su Wenyue slept deeply. When it was already dark outside, Han Yu, although reluctant to disturb his daughter-in-law’s sweet dreams, thought about how she hadn’t eaten well all day. She should eat something before continuing to sleep, as it wasn’t good for her health otherwise.
“Daughter-in-law, Lady Yue, wake up.” Han Yu pinched his wife’s delicate and straight nose, gently calling her awake.
Su Wenyue was having a pleasant dream and was reluctantly awakened by Han Yu. She pouted and complained, “What are you doing? You’re so annoying, I was having such a lovely dream.”
Han Yu looked at his daughter-in-law’s adorable appearance and, mindful of his injuries, couldn’t move too much. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, “Wife, it’s late, and you haven’t eaten properly today. Going to bed hungry isn’t good for your health. Have dinner first, then continue sleeping.”
Su Wenyue lazily stayed in bed for quite a while before being coaxed out of bed by Han Yu. She used to love sleeping in, but since she had three children, it had been a long time since she had indulged in that luxury, especially this past year. Without Han Yu by her side, she had more responsibilities and feared she was not taking good care of their children. She had to wake up early every day to tend to them.
Han Yu actually loved caring for his daughter-in-law, and now that he was free, he didn’t seek others’ help. He personally helped his wife dress and wash her face, then served her a bowl of soup.
Su Wenyue leaned lazily against Han Yu, feeling very comfortable being cared for. Having a man by her side made a difference, especially with Han Yu’s behavior, which had improved. She felt Han Yu did this out of a sense of guilt but did not point it out, contentedly accepting his care.
“Husband, I want a chicken leg.” Su Wenyue pointed to a platter of roast chicken on the table. Having only eaten some dry food while traveling, she hadn’t had a proper meal all day and was indeed feeling hungry now.
But Han Yu did not heed his wife’s request. Instead, he placed the prepared soup in front of Su Wenyue, “Wife, you haven’t eaten well all day; have some soup to warm your stomach first, then we can eat something else.”
Su Wenyue knew Han Yu was looking out for her best interests and graciously accepted, sipping the soup from the spoon that Han Yu held to her lips, sip by sip. Feeling ever more content, she became clearer and remembered to ask about Han Yu’s earlier trip to the study room.
“Husband, is everything arranged outside?”
“Rest assured, everything’s taken care of. Actually, I had made arrangements before, but at the time, I didn’t anticipate Brother Liu’s fortune, so I hadn’t paid much attention to some details. But now, everything is in order. Don’t worry about it. Also, I have taken care of Chi Feifei; in a few days, she will leave Yiyang Prefecture with her belongings and marry off to another place. You won’t have to see her again.”
“You really don’t know how to show pity to a beauty. You’re willing to let someone like Chi Feifei, such a beauty, go?” Su Wenyue said this with a hint of sarcasm but a suspicious curve formed on her lips.
“What’s there to be reluctant about? No matter how beautiful that woman is, it doesn’t matter to me. In the past, I kept her because I had no choice but to use her as a shield. Now that there’s no need for that, it’s fine to let her go. However, she is sensible. When she heard the conditions I offered, she didn’t hesitate at all and agreed immediately. This is your doing, wife.”
Han Yu’s mouth curved with a smile. It wasn’t that he was mocking his wife. In the past, whenever he mentioned letting Chi Feifei leave, she was unwilling and tried everything to seduce him. Busy as he was, he didn’t have time to deal with her, nor did he take her seriously. So he let Chi Feifei stay, but when his wife returned, Chi Feifei’s attitude changed so quickly. The fear on her face showed that she was genuinely scared of his wife.
Han Yu recalled the scene when his wife had beaten someone in front of her. It was still fresh in his mind; Chi Feifei’s miserable state back then was no wonder. Some people just needed to learn the word “fear.”
“Really, you’re not making fun of me, are you?” Su Wenyue looked at Han Yu suspiciously, though her heart already believed him, especially recalling Chi Feifei’s docile demeanor when she returned to the mansion, her face still bearing traces of fear. Su Wenyue thought of this and almost laughed. Although it had been an act at the time, she had vented all her anger on Chi Feifei, effectively taming the unruly woman.
Seeing the mischievous smile on his wife’s face, Han Yu pinched Su Wenyue’s cheek, “I wouldn’t dare make fun of you. With such ability, someone must be feeling quite proud.”
Unable to hold back, Su Wenyue laughed gleefully, snuggled in Han Yu’s embrace.
The next day, Han Yu left the mansion again. Although he could temporarily change his plans, some matters still required his personal attendance, like dealing with Liu Xiu. Taking early action could demonstrate sincerity, and Han Yu’s primary task was to make Liu Xiu trust and rely on him gratefully.
This was easier said than done, as Liu Xiu, though a generous person, was not without his guard. Han Yu’s strength was actually a bit greater than Liu Xiu’s at the moment, and suddenly taking his side could breed suspicion in anyone with a brain. However, if used properly, this suspicion could become Han Yu’s greatest asset and trump card.