LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 582 - Five Hundred Eighty-eight
Chapter 582: Chapter Five Hundred Eighty-eight
“Zhao Fan, that treacherous wretch, is truly despicable and shameless,” Han Yu said with some relief after reading the message. “Failing to kill Uncle Wen, and unable to strike against us, he actually turned his attention to our Father and Mother. Thankfully, Brother Fu is astute. Even at a young age, he not only supports the home but is also quite cautious. Sensing something amiss, he immediately sent a message, allowing our cousin to arrive in time and rescue them in their moment of peril.” In his tone, there was nothing but praise for Brother Fu.
But originally, not only had Han Yu arranged for Su Wenyue to leave, but he also found a safe place for the Father and Mother and other relatives back home. It was just that the third son and his wife proved to be a constant worry, inadvertently exposing the information, allowing Wang Mang and Zhao Fan’s men to find their hiding place, leading to this dangerous scene.
“That’s good. If something had happened to Father and Mother, we wouldn’t be able to live in peace,” Su Wenyue asked with some concern. “Now that their location is exposed, how should we arrange for Father and Mother? Are we going to bring them here?” In her heart, Su Wenyue did not wish for Han Yu to bring his parents over, not just due to differences in living habits and concepts. Since ancient times, mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law were natural enemies. She prided herself on her efforts with her parents-in-law in the past, still failing to win much approval. Yet if Han Yu indeed decided to bring them, she could not refuse.
As astute as Han Yu was, he could naturally see his daughter-in-law’s insincerity: “You little schemer, trying to pull a fast one on me. You really wish for Father and Mother to come over.”
However, Su Wenyue met Han Yu’s gaze head-on, remaining unfazed: “This isn’t about wanting or not wanting. Although I didn’t get along well with Mother-in-law, serving the parents-in-law is a matter of course. As your daughter-in-law, I naturally won’t shirk my responsibilities. I will do what a daughter-in-law should do.”
“Daughter-in-law.” Han Yu found himself moved by his daughter-in-law once more.
But Su Wenyue hadn’t finished speaking: “Nevertheless, although that’s the case, I still don’t agree with bringing Father and Mother here. Given the current dire situation, with Yiyang defeated, the Imperial Court will certainly strive to strike down us rebels. Even the present peace is but temporary. I fear new measures will soon be in place. Our military strength is insufficient; we are no match for the Imperial Court. Often, we are on the run. Father and Mother are of advanced age and can hardly withstand such turmoil. It’s better to find a more secure location for them.”
Su Wenyue didn’t mention bringing the husband’s family to the Feng Family Manor. Even though if she made such a request, the Feng family wouldn’t refuse, she was reluctant to do so. Putting aside anything else, just her mother-in-law’s demeanor alone, were they to live together, would inevitably lead to unpleasantness with her parents. And then there were the children. Her mother-in-law’s desire for control was actually very strong; she had not refrained from directing Su Wenyue in the past, and she would be even less likely to let go of the children. To win over and control the children, to make them wholeheartedly side with the Han Family, she might well do anything.
Yet if her mother-in-law did so, no one could stop her, after all, she was the legitimate grandmother of the children. Even Su Wenyue’s parents were outsiders. Su Wenyue did not want to see this. Instead, she felt more at ease entrusting her children to her own parents. Most importantly, she believed in Han Yu’s ability to arrange a safe place for his family. So even though she considered it briefly, she quickly dismissed the thought.
Cunning fox, despite her unwilling heart, she speaks so convincingly, most importantly with sincerity. Even though he was well aware of his daughter-in-law’s intentions, Han Yu could not voice any objections and wasn’t bothered by it.
“The daughter-in-law speaks truth. I share your thoughts. Don’t worry about Father and Mother; I will take care of everything. Besides, with our cousin around, what could possibly go wrong?” Han Yu reassured her.
Seeing that Han Yu had plans in place, Su Wenyue did not inquire further. As a daughter-in-law, she had done her part, and any further display would seem disingenuous.
Meanwhile, Liu Xiu left Han Yu’s residence, wandered outside a while, then took a stroll around the town. He didn’t encounter whom he sought and left somewhat disappointedly. He was mainly worried about arousing Han Yu’s suspicions, so he could only wait for the next opportunity.
But after that time, affairs became busier, and whenever there was downtime, sudden events kept him occupied. Liu Xiu had intended to visit Han Yu several times but never succeeded. Even Liu Xiu felt something was amiss but couldn’t identify what it was.
Liu Xiu was not one to be easily fooled, and Han Yu knew this could not continue. Liu Xiu was already suspicious, although he had found nothing yet and had not directed his suspicions towards him, if this went on, he would eventually realize the truth.
Moreover, Han Yu was overtly delegating power, trying to create a new impression in Liu Xiu’s mind. It would be counterproductive to disrupt the plan now, especially since it involved those trusted by Liu Xiu whom he had placed close to him. After experiencing so much, Liu Xiu had grown increasingly wary. It was not easy to have these people around him, who would play crucial roles in the future. It would be a waste to discard them so carelessly.
Most importantly, if Liu Xiu discovered that Han Yu had planted numerous spies around him, it would undermine the trust Liu Xiu had in Han Yu. The image that Han Yu had carefully cultivated, at the risk of his own life, would be shattered, rendering all his efforts futile.
“Is everything arranged?” Han Yu, not one to take a passive stance, knowing the potential consequences, naturally wouldn’t let it happen. Perhaps Liu Xiu was not as fond of the woman who saved him as he thought, idealizing her in his mind. The added mystery due to not finding her kept him preoccupied. People are always like that; the more unattainable something is, the more they want it. The less you’re allowed to explore, the more you want to. It might just be better to let him meet his ‘lifesaver’ to put his mind at ease.
“Master, rest assured, everything is arranged.”
Han Yu nodded, stood by the window, and looked at the daughter-in-law bustling in the courtyard, the darkness in his heart somewhat dispelled.
On this particular day, Liu Xiu finally had some free time. Contemplating a visit to Han Yu’s, he heard an urgent voice from outside, “My Lord, something terrible has happened!”
What Liu Xiu heard turned out to be the Imperial Court, not content with Zhao Fan’s capture of Yiyang City, wanting to eradicate their force in one fell swoop. Zhao Fan’s army had already set out.
“They want to eradicate us in one sweep, but we’ll see if Zhao Fan has the ability to do so!” Liu Xiu laughed coldly. They had suffered great losses previously because they were stubbornly defending Yiyang City against the Imperial Army. Now the situation was different, especially with Han Yu by their side. The Imperial Court’s actions were as Han Yu had predicted. Initially, Liu Xiu harbored doubts, but now he was utterly convinced of Han Yu’s insight.
“Prepare the horse; I must go to General Han immediately to discuss matters,” Liu Xiu said, heading out. In such times, he had no interest in pondering romantic affairs.