Chapter 533: 540: Can't Hold On Anymore

“Master, this is the latest news from Yiyang, I’m afraid Yiyang Prefecture can’t be saved,” the subordinate reported.

Sikong Ling did not sever Han Yu’s external contacts. Zhai Li handed the newly arrived news from Yiyang to Han Yu, with a touch of worry on his face. Although the subordinate understood his master’s plan, when the time actually arrived, he still couldn’t stay entirely calm.

Han Yu glanced at Zhai Li, “This was expected, it was only a matter of time. But now that we’ve come to this step, we need to start preparing.”

Only after finishing stating that did Han Yu start looking at the contents of the note, getting to know about the recent events in Yiyang and Liu Xiu’s attitude. Han Yu just slightly knitted his brows, showing no excessive displeasure, nor did he have intentions to abandon Liu Xiu in favor of another master or to set himself up as one.

Whether it was what Su Wenyue said about Liu Xiu ascending to the highest position in his previous life or other factors, Han Yu had his own considerations. To sit in that position, aside from one’s own capabilities, the most important thing is one’s fate. Liu Xiu’s fate was undeniable, and as a descendant of the Liu family, he naturally had an advantage. As for his character, Han Yu also generally approved of it.

Even though Liu Xiu’s recent actions seemed cold to him, Han Yu did not take it to heart. There were many reasons for things to have evolved to this state today, and it was something he had intentionally facilitated. Up to now, Liu Xiu’s feelings towards him had been limited to wariness and non-use, without any further moves – which counted as quite generous.

Moreover, Han Yu needed Liu Xiu’s current attitude. After Liu Xiu eventually faced a crushing defeat and realized his mistakes, he would become even more remorseful and trusting towards Han Yu. If Liu Xiu were to truly summon him back now and involve him in the current matters, it would actually place Han Yu in a difficult position. The current situation was for the best, but it was also time to leave Peach Blossom Valley.

Not only did Han Yu know about the news from Yiyang Prefecture, Sikong Ling also kept an eye on it at all times. Seeing Han Yu’s calm reaction, Sikong Ling was once again amazed by his complexity. But it wasn’t just Han Yu who had to act; it was time for him too to return to the Capital City. Liu Xiu’s defeat would certainly affect the court and would inevitably involve Sikong Mansion. Although he had re-strategized upon learning of Han Yu’s thoughts, some matters still required his personal attention. The old creatures in the family were not so well-behaved that they couldn’t stir up trouble at such a time.

“What is Lady Yue doing right now? Is she with Han Yu?” Sikong Ling suddenly inquired.

“In response to master, it seems Lord Han is discussing something with his subordinates and not with Miss Su. Miss Su is currently in the kitchen.” Knowing how much Sikong Ling valued Su Wenyue, the servants did not dare to be careless. They kept a close watch on Su Wenyue’s movements at all times. Upon Sikong Ling’s inquiry, the servants immediately reported her whereabouts.

“In the kitchen?” Sikong Ling’s words carried a note of surprise, wondering if he had heard wrong. Wasn’t the girl fond of wandering around the valley? Why had she gone to the kitchen instead? Had her interests changed?

“Yes, Miss Su is in the kitchen right now,” he confirmed.

“What is she doing in the kitchen?” Han Yu asked subconsciously. The servant’s response, however, was somewhat evasive. Miss Su had instructed not to tell anyone she was in the kitchen or what she was doing there, but how could the servant not answer when the master asked?

“Miss Su is currently instructing several chefs in the kitchen,” the servant delicately stated the matter in a pleasant manner.

Hearing this, Sikong Ling laughed heartily, “I was wondering what that little girl was up to in the kitchen. Turns out she went there to sneak some food. This is where Han Yu is at fault; he’s kept too tight a rein on her. She even has to sneak into the kitchen to have a bite to eat.”

Given Su Wenyue’s health condition, Han Yu had not neglected to seek advice from Divine Doctor Mu. Food is better than medicine, which shows how important good eating is. Thus, he was particularly strict about what Su Wenyue ate, although not as harsh as in the first two days, when he only let her believe that she should eat mild, easily digestible foods. Combining both meat and vegetarian dishes – roasted chicken and roast duck were available – he wouldn’t allow Su Wenyue to eat any food that was too stimulating, like her favorite chili. Han Yu always kept a strict control, allowing her to eat only a small amount of it. Over time, it was hardly enough to satisfy her cravings. Hence, taking advantage of Han Yu’s absence, Su Wenyue snuck into the kitchen to indulge in some forbidden treats. With such a devoted Husband who doted and governed her, Su Wenyue was both blissfully and painfully treated.

Once Su Wenyue got to the kitchen, she first ordered sour and spicy fish, followed by several other orders, all extremely spicy. The head chef naturally did not dare to go against Su Wenyue’s wishes and immediately got to work making her dishes.

Watching the chef’s skills, Su Wenyue found herself somewhat dissatisfied. It wasn’t that she was being fussy, but as someone with superior culinary talents, she always strived for the ultimate expression of the ingredients’ flavors, hence she started to offer guidance, instructing the chef to follow her directions.

Upon arriving in the kitchen, Sikong Ling saw Su Wenyue standing there, incessantly offering suggestions to the head chef. Sometimes, when directions weren’t enough, she’d take it upon herself to demonstrate. Her earnestness was more captivating than at any other time, and the kitchen was filled with an enticing aroma.

“Smells so good! What is this that smells so delicious?” he exclaimed.

“It’s you, how did you come here, like a ghost that never goes away!” Su Wenyue pouted, saying unhappily. She had barely had the chance to start enjoying her delicious creations when Sikong Ling appeared, thoroughly dampening her spirits. What’s more, Han Yu had made it clear that he did not like her having too much contact with Sikong Ling. As a dutiful wife and mother, and a good daughter-in-law to Han Yu, she naturally complied with her Husband’s wishes.

“It truly saddens me to hear Lady Yue speak like this. I believe I have treated Lady Yue quite well, and I haven’t overstepped my boundaries. Why are you so cold towards me, always with a harsh demeanor? Although I have transgressed in the past, perhaps my later deeds could redeem my faults?” he lamented with a touch of bitterness.

Seeing Sikong Ling like this, Su Wenyue pondered over her recent behavior and indeed felt that she had been somewhat excessive. After all, she owed her life to Sikong Ling, so some things ought to be clarified. She said earnestly, “Young Master Sikong, I am aware that you saved me, and I am grateful for it. I’ll thank you formally now, and should there be anything I can help with in the future, Han Yu won’t refuse. However, things should be kept separate. Although you saved me, I still hope we can maintain a distance. After all, men and women should not get too close, and my Husband minds if other men come too near to me. So, it’s better if we interact less. I don’t want to cause misunderstandings with my Husband.”

“You really do care about Han Yu, taking everything he says so to heart,” Sikong Ling noted with a sour tone, laced with a hint of grievance.

Feeling somewhat overwhelmed, Su Wenyue added, “It’s not just about my Husband. Haven’t I mentioned before that interpersonal relationships are a matter of destiny? Perhaps we were enemies in a previous life, for no matter how I look at you, I find you displeasing. Hmm, I’m being too blunt, and if I have offended you in any way, I hope Young Master Sikong can forgive me for that.”