Chapter 537 - 544: Being Smart by Oneself

Han Yu did have some matters to discuss with Zhai Li at the moment, and therefore didn’t insist on staying there, nodding his head, “Alright then, you rest well, I’ll head out first.”

Although Su Wenyue turned her head away, she glanced at Han Yu from the corner of her eye. Seeing that he was really leaving, her lips pursed again, filled with a bit of resentment. She had clearly made an excuse because she was upset. Her whole demeanor screamed ‘come and coax me,’ and she didn’t believe for a second that Han Yu didn’t see that. Yet, he went with the flow. If it had been before, Han Yu’s reaction would have definitely been different. It seemed like he was really angry this time, so she should probably just take it easy.

Sikong Ling had been paying close attention to Su Wenyue’s matters and naturally knew what had befallen her these past few days. Yet, he didn’t have a shred of sympathy, going out of his way to see Su Wenyue’s misfortune and revel in her embarrassment.

“Well, I haven’t seen Lady Yue wandering around the valley these past two days. Turns out you were kept in the house by Han Yu. The price for your stealthy indulgence seems to be a bit high,” Sikong Ling said with a smile.

“Why are you here again? Haven’t I already said I don’t welcome you? Every time I see you, it’s annoying. Why do you still linger around me? Can’t you have a little decency as a person?” Su Wenyue said irritably; already not in a good mood, she was even less inclined to present a pleasant face to Sikong Ling.

Sikong Ling had long been used to the treatment he received from Su Wenyue. He didn’t mind before, and he certainly didn’t now: “I came today especially to see how you’re doing. Although you despise me, I quite like you. What to do? I’ve always been self-centered, not caring much for others’ feelings. So it doesn’t matter whether you dislike me or not, as long as I like you, that’s enough.”

To Su Wenyue’s disdain, Sikong Ling was not the least bit hurt; in fact, he was rather pleased. Dislike was better than being ignored and overlooked.

“That’s exactly something you, Sikong Ling, would say. You really have a thick face. I gather you’re not only here to visit me, but also to laugh at me, right? To see me suffer makes you happy?”

Su Wenyue wasn’t in a hurry to chase Sikong Ling out; after all, this life was not her previous life. Although she still had issues with Sikong Ling, up to this point, he hadn’t done anything harmful to her. With the time they had spent together recently, Sikong Ling had been fairly straightforward, so she didn’t detest him as much. Besides, she felt bored staying alone in the room, and bickering with Sikong Ling, scolding someone to pass the time and vent some frustration wasn’t so bad.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“How could I? I’d be heartbroken at your misfortune. Why would I come to laugh at you? You’re mistaking my intentions for those of a nasty person when I am a gentleman at heart. It’s wrong to speculate wildly about my thoughts,” Sikong Ling responded.

“It’s only now that I realize that Young Master Sikong is a gentleman. Tsk, tsk, not just anyone can claim that title,” Su Wenyue said sarcastically, finding it laughable. She knew exactly what kind of person Sikong Ling was—sinister, shameless, lascivious, and cruel. If someone like him could be called a gentleman, it would indeed be the joke of the century.

Even though Su Wenyue’s comment was subtle, her facial expression said it all, revealing her inner thoughts. Sikong Ling felt that the title of gentleman didn’t quite suit him: “Fine, so I’m a nasty person, what’s wrong with that? Drop the disdainful look. Compared to those hypocrites who present one face and harbor another, I’d rather be who I am. At least I’m living truthfully!”

Seeing Su Wenyue’s comfortable demeanor after he admitted it, Sikong Ling felt uncomfortable, a sly smile forming on his lips: “But speaking of which, don’t you think your husband is a complete hypocrite? Outwardly, he seems upright and honorable, but when it comes to tactics and strategies, he’s far superior to the likes of me, a nasty person. After all, how could a mere farmer like him have come so far if not for the things he’s done in secret, unbeknownst to you? I admit I am a nasty person, but compared to Han Yu, no one is more innocent.”

Su Wenyue could be very protective, and hearing Sikong Ling say this made her unhappy: “You’re the hypocrite, your entire family is full of hypocrites! Don’t you slander Han Yu. I know exactly what kind of person he is. Even if he’s cunning and scheming, he does so with overt stratagems, not engaging in sinister and vile actions. Don’t you smear his name. You’re the one who’s sinister and vile, and yet you try to drag others down with you. What kind of person does that make you?”

“Look how protective you are. I’m just speaking the truth. Han Yu is your husband, and I don’t believe you’re completely unaware of his affairs outside. Though his overt tactics prevail, he hasn’t shied away from using covert means, and he can be incredibly cunning. Even I concede defeat to him.”

As Sikong Ling spoke and saw Su Wenyue glaring at him, he raised his hands helplessly: “Alright, enough, I won’t talk about your precious Han Yu anymore, is that okay? After all, everyone knows what they’ve done. Speaking of which, those secret guards, they don’t just crop up without special training. Your Han Yu has cultivated such a group too, hasn’t he? You can’t deny that.”

“Ha, and I wondered why you had so much free time. Apparently, you didn’t gain an advantage with Han Yu, so you’re here to fish for information from me. Do you really think I’d tell you about Han Yu’s affairs? Forget it, I’m not like those foolish women in your backyard. Don’t try to play your little games on me,” Su Wenyue said, with a look that suggested she saw right through him.

Facing Su Wenyue’s scrutiny, Sikong Ling felt slightly uneasy. He hadn’t intended to play mind games with her; he was just casually probing for information. This seemingly naive little girl could be quite sharp when it mattered, picking up on his intentions almost instantly.

Sikong Ling was forthright, and seeing that Su Wenyue had caught on, he didn’t bother to hide it, admitting openly: “You’re pretty astute. I’ve barely entertained the thought, and you’ve already detected it. That Han Yu is really too cunning. Dealing with him is exhausting, so I thought I’d make a breakthrough with you, see if I could find out something. Turns out I was discovered right away.”

Su Wenyue felt a sense of accomplishment inside, but she didn’t show it outwardly, displaying only a mocking smile: “Pfft, trying to pull such trivial tricks in front of me, I’d spot your intentions in a minute. I might not have bothered with you on normal days, but you know what they say, ‘Ignorance is bliss.’ But sometimes, I just can’t be bothered to expose your crass maneuvers. I can see through you, Sikong Ling, in just one glance.”

“So it seems. The saying ‘Ignorance is bliss’ does make sense; it’s something a Smart Person would do,” Sikong Ling’s smile deepened, nodding emphatically as if he agreed with Su Wenyue’s words wholeheartedly, if not for the hint of mockery in his eyes.

“So stop trying to act clever in front of me. I could puncture your little schemes at any moment,” Su Wenyue said, growing more smug, though she felt a tinge of guilt internally, but boasting a bit on the surface felt good.

“However, I’ve heard another saying: smart people don’t flaunt their intelligence. Those who think they’re very smart are usually just deluding themselves. I think there’s a lot of truth in that. What do you say, Lady Yue? Does this saying make sense?”