Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 386: 393: What Is The Price

Chapter 386: Chapter 393: What Is The Price
When Han Yu was going out, he gave Su Wenyue a particular reminder, “Daughter-in-law, Yiyang Prefecture has only recently been captured, and peace can’t really be said to have been established just yet. It’s still chaotic outside. Don’t go out these days. Stay safe within the mansion.”

“How can that be so serious? I saw that both Chi Feifei and Chen Li visited our mansion the other day. They seem to be wandering about outside without any trouble,” Su Wenyue felt that Han Yu was being overly cautious, although she had mentally prepared herself for this. However, anything relating to Chen Li still made her particularly sensitive.

Indeed, Yiyang Prefecture was somewhat chaotic, but it wasn’t as grave as Han Yu described. However, since Han Yu cared about his daughter-in-law, he naturally couldn’t tolerate even the slightest mishap. As for who Chi Feifei and Chen Li were, their fate was none of his concern, and he wouldn’t pay them any mind. His daughter-in-law was different; without her being safe, he wouldn’t be at ease while outside.

“Would I deceive you? Be good, listen, and just stay in the mansion. If there’s anything you need to do, wait until I return to accompany you,” Han Yu said soothingly as he stroked Su Wenyue’s head.

Su Wenyue wasn’t the type to make unreasonable scenes. It wasn’t as if she had to leave the mansion, so she nodded in agreement, “Don’t worry, I won’t go anywhere. I’ll just wait here for you to come back.”

Seeing his daughter-in-law being so obedient, Han Yu’s heart melted. He wished he could hold her tight in his arms, but since he had business to attend to, he had to resist. Still not completely at ease when leaving, he instructed the concierge not to let Su Wenyue go out.

Most of the servants in the mansion were trained by Han Yu himself, especially the guards at the gatehouse, who were particularly strict. Having been ordered by Han Yu, Su Wenyue certainly couldn’t leave. After all, she had just returned, and the Mistress’s authority needed to be re-established.

Han Yu was out for more than half a day before returning. It was unclear what he had done, but he came back exhausted. His injuries had not yet healed, and he had not regained his strength. Su Wenyue, feeling heartache, helped him into the room.

“I already told you not to overexert yourself. Matters outside are important, but not as important as your health. Even if you want to earn that person’s trust, it’s not the only way. There will be other methods later. But once your body is worn down, it’s not so easy to recover,” Su Wenyue also couldn’t bear to see Han Yu ruining his health to achieve his goals, considering how he usually taught her, yet in the end he made the same mistake.

“Daughter-in-law, rest assured. Do you not know what kind of man your husband is? I wouldn’t be unaware of what’s more important. My injury isn’t as serious as you think; it’s all just an act. You know your man’s body is strong,” Han Yu whispered into Su Wenyue’s ear, his voice carrying a hint of laughter.

“Seeing that you’re in a good mood, I take it today’s affairs went smoothly?” Su Wenyue inferred from Han Yu’s good spirits that it might be related to outside affairs, not realizing that Han Yu was simply happy because of her presence. She didn’t feel it as much when they were together all the time, but after more than a year of separation, he suffered from longing. Feeling happy just because he could see his daughter-in-law upon returning home seemed absolutely a blessing to him.

“It has nothing to do with outside affairs. Isn’t it just that my daughter-in-law has returned and made me happy? As for Brother Liu, the progress is fairly good. Although he doesn’t fully trust me yet, he has been somewhat moved. Going forward, only actions will prove my intentions.”

Han Yu wasn’t someone who sought quick success. He understood the principle that haste makes waste. Today’s activities were just the first step and went fairly well, yet…

“Daughter-in-law, you may have to endure Chen Li for a while longer. I did not expect that Brother Liu would regard her more highly than I thought. That woman does indeed have some ability. If it weren’t for her promiscuous nature, I might even admire her business acumen a little,” Han Yu commented, the tone in his voice conflicted.

Su Wenyue fluttered her eyelashes on hearing this, feeling somewhat uncomfortable deep down. After all, in her previous life, she was the ‘surprisingly talented and beautiful’ Imperial Consort. Even Han Yu could speak a word of admiration for her, yet such a woman was now coveting her own man.

While Su Wenyue might not understand everything, she knew that Chen Li valued most the future and status a man could offer her. In her previous life, she staunchly supported Liu Xiu, and in this life, because of her rebirth, many things had changed. Han Yu’s status was now not much different from Liu Xiu’s; hence, Chen Li’s actions of playing both sides.

“Why do you say that? Has Chen Li done something to gain your regard?” Su Wenyue asked without revealing her emotions, though in her heart, she already had an eighty percent guess. In her previous life, Chen Li had supported Liu Xiu with significant economic help, thanks to her talent in business, which had helped her secure a firm foothold at his side.

As expected, Han Yu went on to say, “Even though that woman is frivolous and unorthodox, she has quite a talent for business. In just half a year, she has amassed quite a fortune. Brother Liu needs such talent right now. Even though she is a woman like Chen Li, Brother Liu still regards her highly. Truly, his open-mindedness in accepting talent is not something everyone possesses.”

There was a teasing tone in Han Yu’s voice, and he didn’t feel there was anything wrong with Liu Xiu’s approach. Given Liu Xiu’s current weak state, wanting to grow stronger required some special tactics. Han Yu admitted to himself that he couldn’t do such a thing. Just the sight of Chen Li disgusted and repelled him to no end, let alone showing her kindness. He couldn’t even bear to be in the same room as her.

Liu Xiu’s demeanor toward Chen Li was the opposite of Han Yu’s. Courteous, graceful, and often prepared to accommodate her wishes, even showing a doting attitude at times. However, Han Yu could still discern the discontent and frustration Liu Xiu hid beneath the surface of his behavior. Otherwise, one might really think Liu Xiu had feelings for Chen Li. With such patience, sacrificing so much to achieve his goals, it was no wonder he eventually reached that position. Suddenly, Han Yu found himself agreeing with his daughter-in-law’s words—that position was not easy to hold. To gain something, one has to give something in return.

“Indeed, he’s no ordinary man. The sacrifices he’s made to reach that position are not just these few,” Su Wenyue said in complete agreement upon hearing Han Yu’s words. Emperor Wu had started with a weak foundation, and reaching his position was not only due to his abilities but also the contributions of the women by his side. Even after gaining that position, he still faced many constraints in the early stages.

“Daughter-in-law, due to Brother Liu, I might not be able to deal with Chen Li right away. However, you only need to maintain a superficial relationship with her. There’s no need to be aggrieved. If I, Han Yu, can’t even protect my own woman, then what’s the point of all this?” Han Yu, as of today, spoke with a different confidence, which also changed the weight of his words.

Su Wenyue felt even more reassured by these words; Han Yu saying so clearly meant he placed her importance above his career, and she believed his words were sincere.

“Rest assured, I won’t let myself be wronged. What kind of person is your daughter-in-law? Could I possibly suffer at the hands of another woman?”