Chapter 426: 433: One Arrow, Two Birds

Su Hengyi listened to his younger sister’s words and felt a surge of emotions, very much wanting to say, “Sister, having a wife too capable isn’t necessarily a good thing.” A wife, ah, should be delicate and gentle like my younger sister, whom you can spoil however you want, without worrying that she’s too formidable and outshines you. That’s quite embarrassing for a man. Of course, Su Hengyi was just mumbling to himself. Although he felt troubled by this sweet nuisance, he also enjoyed it all the same.

Han Yu thought to himself that although his wife needed to be comforted, he patted Su Wenyue’s head in a manner resembling one comforting a small animal, a gesture he had grown fond of: “My wife, don’t belittle yourself. Everyone has their strengths. Although Sister-in-law is impressive, you’re also remarkable. You manage household affairs meticulously and have raised such an excellent successor for the Han Family. That is the greatest contribution.”

Upon hearing this from Han Yu, Su Wenyue’s sense of loss and frustration started to fade, feeling that Han Yu had spoken the truth, “You’re right. Everyone has their own role and utility. I was too anxious for comparison.”

“My wife, don’t worry. Big brother and Sister-in-law will certainly rescue Eldest Uncle’s family safely. I’ve asked Zhai Li to accompany them to Chang’an. The Zhai Family is one of the Four Great Martial Arts Families, with a profound heritage. Though they fell from grace in an instant, they are not to be underestimated. They have buried many hidden lines in Chang’an in the past, and with him there, the safety of big brother and the others has an added layer of protection. Just wait peacefully for their return, alright?”

“Mhmm,” Su Wenyue nodded, feeling much more reassured upon hearing that Zhai Li would also be accompanying the rescue, and grew more thankful towards Han Yu. After all, in such chaotic times, Han Yu had too much on his plate, and his subordinates were all busy. Yet, he managed to send someone to save her mother’s family’s relatives, and it was Zhai Li, one of the most capable lieutenants under Han Yu’s command.

Han Yu, seeing his wife’s obedient and soft behavior, was very pleased and caressed her head again, “My wife is the kindest and the best.”

Su Hengyi, who was used to his brother-in-law’s usually aloof demeanor, found it hard to bear hearing him speak such cheesy words to his sister. Looking at how Han Yu had his sister wrapped around his finger, Su Hengyi felt a bit jealous that he had found such a worry-free wife, but also somewhat annoyed. His gentle and amiable sister was no match for Han Yu, that fox. He felt somewhat worried.

He didn’t quite realize yet just how troublesome his sister had become. She was just temporarily moved by Han Yu’s actions and was being unusually well-behaved. Otherwise, she would never have felt such emotions.

Due to the urgency of the situation and fearing any unexpected changes, the Su Hengyi couple packed their belongings, and the servants had prepared their horses. They decided to set off for Chang’an immediately. Su Wenyue watched her big brother with a mix of worry and reluctance, endlessly repeating her cautions.

“Big brother, you and Sister-in-law must stay safe. Caution is paramount in all things. That dog Wang Mang is extremely cunning and deceitful. Don’t fall for his tricks. Once you rescue Eldest Uncle’s family, return immediately. Don’t delay in Chang’an and risk any misfortune.” Su Wenyue, despite knowing her big brother was the most reliable person, could not help but worry incessantly.

Madam Su, who was about to instruct her son, found that her daughter had already said everything she wanted to, leaving her with nothing further to add.

“Younger sister, don’t worry. I’ve remembered everything you said, and I will be careful. Just wait peacefully at home. I need to leave now; it’s getting late,” Su Hengyi said with determination, as lingering further would only invite more warnings from his mother and younger sister. He mounted his horse with Feng Ruolin and, followed by a group of warriors, embarked on the road to Chang’an.

Master Su and Su Hengxuan were fine as men, not as overtly emotional. They kept their concerns and reluctance to themselves. Moreover, they were accustomed to farewells, so it didn’t affect them as much. Only Madam Su and Su Wenyue were deeply affected, unable to tear their gaze away from the direction Su Hengyi left in for a long time.

After the departure of the Su Hengyi couple, Han Yu and Su Wenyue hurried back as well. They had rushed out so quickly that they had only left temporary instructions with the servants. There were still three little ones at home. They had to return quickly, as they couldn’t be at ease otherwise.

On the way home, as Su Wenyue sat in the horse carriage, she was somewhat absent-minded, primarily because she was worried about Su Hengyi’s safety. Yet, she also understood that worrying was futile at this point. The situation in Yiyang Prefecture was not very stable, and she needed to muster her spirits and arrange everything that could be arranged.

Han Yu saw that his wife had returned to normal, no longer overtly anxious. He felt relieved, gave her a few instructions, and headed to the study room. The situation in Chang’an was far from being as simple and straightforward as he had described to Su Wenyue. Wang Mang was well aware of the relation between Marquis Beian Mansion and the Su Family, as well as their connection to him and Liu Xiu. He would surely prepare to thwart their rescue attempt. Extra support and escape routes had to be secured for his Eldest Brother-in-law. Otherwise, if something happened to him, his wife and Eldest Brother-in-law, given their close relationship, would never bear it.

Han Yu sat pondering for a while and, after much hesitation, retrieved a blank piece of paper from a hidden compartment in his study, took a seemingly ordinary feather brush from the pen holder, and began to write with a colorless and tasteless solution on the paper.

About a quarter of an hour later, Han Yu dried the wordless letter, placed it in a small bamboo tube, and tied it to a carrier pigeon’s leg before releasing it.

Watching the pigeon fly off, Han Yu felt a complex mix of emotions. Initially, he was reluctant to have too much involvement with that person. However, the safety of his Eldest Brother-in-law was paramount. Given the current chaotic state and complex intertwined relationships in Chang’an City, the added support from that person meant an increased chance of success in the rescue mission by forty to fifty percent.

Meanwhile, Liu Xiu also received news of the capture of Marquis Bei’an Mansion by Wang Mang. His expression shifted as he realized the seriousness of the situation. He immediately called several confidants whom he trusted for a discussion but didn’t summon Han Yu.

“What do you think? Marquis Bei’an Mansion is besieged by Wang Mang, with both the Marquis and the Crown Prince of Beian in his hands. You must be aware of the relationship between Bei’an Mansion and the Su Mansion. If Wang Mang’s action was merely for revenge, that would be one thing. However, if he intends to use this as leverage against the Su Family and Han Yu, our situation becomes perilous. After all, Han Yu holds the majority of Yiyang Prefecture’s military might in his hands,” Liu Xiu said.

“The Third Young Master is correct. Wang Mang must be aware of the relationships between Han Yu, the Su Family, and us. It’s likely he’s targeting Han Yu and the Su Family, using the family of Marquis Bei’an as a threat to manipulate Han Yu and the Su Family, to achieve their unspeakable goals. Even if Han Yu cannot be threatened, it could still drive a wedge between him and the Su Family. Killing two birds with one stone, that villain truly has sinister plans,” someone responded.