Chapter 107: Don’t Make Stupid Mistakes

Translator: 549690339

“Chunlan, you couldn’t possibly be scheming something again, could you? I’ve told you, stop provoking Su Wenyue. Not to mention Su Wenyue’s family is formidable, her own skills are impressive. Mrs. Wang is shrewd and strong and even she has suffered losses at Su Wenyue’s hands. Just look, all these days we’ve been setting traps and causing her trouble, but when has she ever lost out? Instead, it’s us who haven’t gained any advantage. Even your Aunt now has a complaint against us. Please, don’t make another foolish mistake!”

Yang Juxiang was afraid her daughter might have brewed up some trouble again and sternly warned her. Not that she truly respected Su Wenyue, but Yang Juxiang certainly knew her limits. Even with a thick face, she understood what could be done and what couldn’t.

“Mother, you said no, so what could I possibly do? You bring up these things again for no reason. If you mention that vixen once more, I’ll really get angry,” Jiang Chunlan probably noticed her attitude change had aroused her mother’s suspicion, and her tone became somewhat willful.

“Fine, I won’t talk about it. Just pack your things properly,” Yang Juxiang dropped the topic upon seeing her daughter react like this, thinking that since they would be leaving early tomorrow morning, nothing should happen.

Han Yu returned just as evening fell and it was nearly dark, looking quite bedraggled, empty-handed except for his hunting tools.

Yang Juxiang knew that whatever Han Yu caught today was meant for her to take back tomorrow, and so she paid special attention. Hearing noise from the courtyard, she went to check, only to find Han Yu coming back empty-handed.

“Brother Yu, you’re back. Did you leave the game you caught outside?” Yang Juxiang knew Han Yu was skilled at hunting, and couldn’t quite believe he would come back without any prey, so she asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.

“Fourth child, you’re back. Why are you in such a disheveled state? You didn’t encounter a wild beast in the mountains, did you?” Mrs. Yang also came out from the room and, seeing her son return, asked with concern, though her concern was different.

“Mother, don’t worry, I’m alright, you see, I’m still in one piece. It’s just that I didn’t catch any game. Aunt will have to return empty-handed tomorrow,” Han Yu’s usually impassive face showed a rare trace of apology, meant for his mother’s eyes only.

“What? You didn’t catch any game at all, how is that possible!” Yang Juxiang looked at Han Yu in disbelief, her tone sharp and her complexion abruptly darkened. She had been hoping Han Yu would catch plenty of game to take back, not necessarily for eating, but to sell for silver. Thus, this trip to the Han Family wouldn’t have been in vain. Otherwise, her trip would be a complete loss. Since Han Yu came back with nothing, her dashed hopes somewhat unhinged her, causing her to forget Mrs. Yang was right there.

Mrs. Yang saw her sister acting like this and her expression also turned unpleasant. Her son was right in front of her, and there was no question about whom she valued more. Besides, during the time her sister and niece had been at the Han Family, she had not treated them poorly at all. Just the amount of white flour and food they used was more than they usually consumed in two months. Yet seeing her sister’s attitude, it seemed she did not remember any kindness and took it all for granted.

Han Yu could tell what his mother was thinking just by her expression and did not mind worsening Yang Juxiang’s image in front of his mother.

“Aunt, I’m truly sorry. I’d actually caught quite a bit of game today, but I encountered a bear in the mountain, which caused me to lose the prey I had caught.”

Mrs. Yang’s heart clenched when she heard her son had encountered a bear in the mountain, which explained why he returned in such a disheveled state. Before she could speak a few words to express her feelings, she heard Yang Juxiang’s veiled criticism and, while she wanted to explode in anger, Han Yu stopped her.

Han Yu knew his mother; if she genuinely lashed out at Yang Juxiang, she’d later regret her impulsiveness. After all, he was unharmed, but if she kept the anger bottled up inside, it would be a different matter. Over time, even the firmest sibling bond can erode.

Previously, Han Yu had never encountered any issues while hunting, so Su Wenyue gradually stopped worrying. Little did she know, Han Yu would unexpectedly come across a bear in the mountain. Although seeing Han Yu standing well in front of her was reassuring, she was still startled.

Mrs. Yang, although concerned about her son, fussed over him for a while. Then she noticed her daughter-in-law standing by with eager eyes. Since she was present, it was inappropriate for Mrs. Yang to say much, so she tactfully left, giving space to the young couple.

“What happened? Weren’t you just going around the outer areas of the forest to hunt casually? How did you encounter a bear?” Su Wenyue didn’t think Han Yu was the kind of man who would go out of his way for Yang Juxiang and her daughter. Although the task was ordered by her mother-in-law, how it was done was up to Han Yu.

“It’s alright, don’t worry. I just wanted to let Mother feel sorry for her son,” Han Yu said, winking at Su Wenyue with a hint of mirth in his eyes.

Su Wenyue, recognizing his expression, punched him gently a couple of times, “You’re terrible using such things to your advantage. Aren’t you afraid of worrying me? Even if you want to do this, at least give me a heads up.”

“Yes, my mistake. I’ll definitely tell you next time. But are you sure you’re not pleased to hear this news?” Han Yu raised his eyebrows, the more time he spent with her, the better he understood his wife’s character. She must have felt relieved after the initial worry and even happy, indeed.

“Well, I…” Su Wenyue was about to feign modesty but stopped when she saw Han Yu pull out a paper bag from his bosom, and a smile broke across her face uncontrollably. Han Yu often did this; whenever he went hunting in the mountain, he would bring something roasted back for her if he had time, saying he wanted to fatten her up so that her mother wouldn’t feel distressed seeing her daughter thin.

Su Wenyue knew full well that was just an excuse Han Yu made up because he cared for her. If a man didn’t care about you, he wouldn’t bother with such details.

“Didn’t you say you didn’t catch any game? How come you still brought this back for me?” Su Wenyue spoke as she opened the paper bag, and the aroma of roasted meat wafted to her nose.

Han Yu’s skills at roasting meat had improved greatly. In the beginning, the meat he brought back was flavorless, but after gaining experience and frequently going hunting, he had started to bring along some salt and spices for such needs.

“Who said I didn’t catch any game? Today’s haul was not bad. Aside from what I roasted for you, I asked Chen Shuang to take the rest to The City to sell for silver. The money he makes is for your private stash, which is undoubtedly better than giving anything to that annoying mother and daughter,” Han Yu said with a smile, seeing his wife’s smile grow wider.

This man was getting increasingly adept at winning her affections. Su Wenyue liked Han Yu’s craftiness and ‘stingy spirit,’ yet he knew when to maintain his graciousness. He was far superior to those who spouted talk of righteousness and morality yet wouldn’t even stand up for their own wives.