Chapter 434: Four Hundred and Forty-One: Thrown at the Doorstep

“It’s you?!” Han Yu frowned when he suddenly saw Chen Li pop up in front of him, clearly unappreciative of her presence. This woman was just too uninhibited; a woman hopping and jumping in public made quite an unseemly picture. Importantly, her unrestraint lacked any charm, unlike his daughter-in-law, Su Wenyue, who was adorable whether she was calm, playful, or even angry and petulant, always bringing joy to his heart and making him want to cherish her deeply. (Mr. Han, you’re getting sidetracked.)

Though Chen Li knew that Han Yu wasn’t fond of her, his overly evident reaction still grated on her nerves, “So what if it’s me? I may not be as beautiful as your wife, who’s a rare beauty, but I’m not so unsightly as to deserve that look of distaste. Whom are you trying to impress with that scowl? I don’t understand how such a sweet and charming sister like your wife could ever fancy you!”

By now, Chen Li had lost interest in Han Yu. Through his dealings with Liu Xiu, she had come to realize that Han Yu was a good man. It was precisely for this reason that she eliminated any thoughts about him. Such a man would only be wholeheartedly devoted to his wife and was beyond her aspirations. Chen Li wasn’t completely lacking self-awareness. After the situation involving Liu Xiu and Yin Lihua’s engagement, she grew considerably, which also changed her perspective on Han Yu and Su Wenyue.

Today, compared to Liu Xiu’s gentle composure, Chen Li actually appreciated Han Yu’s straightforwardness more; if he didn’t like something, he made it immediately clear. No dawdling or ambiguity—that was the sign of a truly good character. Even though she viewed Han Yu favorably, the words that came out of Chen Li’s mouth were far from cordial, mainly due to Han Yu’s own unbearable attitude, preventing her from showing any semblance of amiability.

Seeing that Chen Li acknowledged she wasn’t as pretty as Su Wenyue and even praised his wife, Han Yu thought that despite her many faults, this woman did have some self-awareness. His expression softened a bit; but then he heard her imply he wasn’t worthy of his wife and his face soured again. This woman really was consistently irritating.

“Speak your business quickly or leave at once,” Han Yu said coldly. He had been about to throw her out, but because Chen Li had previously sent someone to notify him, he refrained, though his tolerance was reaching its limit.

Having some understanding of Han Yu, Chen Li knew she had to state her purpose quickly, or this man would surely drive her away. With him, she found no so-called chivalry, not the slightest trace of pity for the fair sex.

“Alright, alright, I’ll get to the point. I came here today for a serious matter; it’s about the Marquis Beian Mansion,” Chen Li hurriedly said, criticizing herself for foolishly coming here to give a friendly warning, only to be treated so poorly.

“Speak!” Han Yu’s expression changed slightly when Chen Li mentioned the Marquis Beian Mansion.

The tone of Han Yu’s unquestioning command irritated Chen Li beyond measure. She wasn’t one of his soldiers to be ordered around—and what kind of man was he?

“Speak speak speak! Are you even aware of where you are standing? Is it proper to discuss such confidential matters at the entrance? Moreover, here I am, coming over to give you a considerate tip-off, and this is the gratitude I get? Unless you welcome me properly, with the finest tea, as ‘Madam,’ I might just keep my mouth shut!” Chen Li huffed, indicating she had her pride, thinking she was just trying to return a favor to Han Yu for his visit to the Liu Mansion.

Han Yu indeed wanted to know what had happened before he visited the Liu Mansion, especially concerning the Marquis Beian Mansion. While he had received some clandestine hints, no one had been as brazen as Chen Li in revealing everything to him. But to bring her into his mansion…

“It’s not really suitable for you to enter my mansion. Maybe we should find a quieter place to talk,” Han Yu suggested hesitantly, softening his tone. He knew his wife didn’t care for this woman and, considering how his wife must be worried about the matters involving Marquis Bei’an, how could he bring this woman in and add to her troubles?

When Chen Li saw Han Yu’s response, she wasn’t angry anymore; instead, she found it amusing. This was the so-called ‘henpecked husband.’ She didn’t think there was any other explanation for Han Yu’s reaction besides his fear of Su Wenyue’s anger. How rare it was, she mused, especially in ancient times to find such a man—considering his status, position, and skills—completely suggesting that Han Yu truly cherished his wife.

“Oh please, finding a quieter place? By the time we do that, we could’ve finished talking. What are you hiding in your house that you can’t let me in? Just say whether you want to know or not, and let’s be clear, you should be the one begging me, not the other way around,” Chen Li teased Han Yu, finding pleasure in seeing such a man scowl, which was much more interesting than Liu Xiu’s constant smile.

Han Yu glared at Chen Li, his face like wood. He really wanted to cast this woman out, but to get the information he desired, he ultimately held back from voicing his thoughts, feeling quite conflicted.

“Fine, you’re afraid of upsetting your wife, just admit it. I won’t make it difficult for you. Here’s a suggestion: you go in and call your wife out, and both of you can entertain me properly. I’ll explain things to your wife, and I won’t give her any reason to be jealous,” Chen Li said.

Hearing Chen Li’s words, Han Yu felt no gratitude for her consideration. Instead, his male pride and dignity felt under attack. It was his own considerate nature towards his wife that motivated his actions, not fear, and her constant jibes wore on him. However, even with these thoughts, Han Yu wouldn’t stoop to explain himself to Chen Li. He just snorted and walked inside, which was tantamount to accepting her suggestion.

Chen Li laughed at Han Yu’s prideful reaction, finding it quite entertaining as she observed from the entrance. When Han Yu had walked a good distance and it became clear he wasn’t waiting for her, she hurriedly ran after him, all the while muttering, “What an unromantic, surly man! No chivalry, not a trace of gentleness. I may not be as beautiful as your wife, but I’m still a pretty little thing. And yet you just left me standing at the gate.”

Su Wenyue had a good grip on the management of the inner house and was promptly informed of Chen Li’s arrival at their doorstep. Hearing that Han Yu had brought the woman into the mansion, Su Wenyue felt somewhat gloomy and irritable. Han Yu was supposed to dislike this woman, so why let her in?