Chapter 557 - 563: No Other Choice

“That’s the reason. Those sly and devious people, not only do they refrain from their wrongdoings, but sometimes they are unpredictable. It’s better to take this opportunity to thoroughly cleanse them. Even if we can’t completely eradicate them, we at least can’t let them have the chance to stir up trouble. Since you have never coveted that position, rather than switching masters, it’s better to fashion one ourselves. Liu Xiu is still very moldable.”

Su Wenyue greatly agreed with Han Yu’s idea. With a spark of inspiration, she spoke these words, looking at Han Yu with satisfaction and approval in his eyes, she suddenly felt a connection of minds—different from their usual mutual affection. This feeling was not as intense, but it brought joy from within her heart and was even more in sync.

“Daughter-in-law speaks sensibly. Since there’s no better choice, Liu Xiu’s moldability is decent. We might as well shape him according to our own will. Even if it’s not completely to our satisfaction, at the very least we can make Liu Xiu trust and lean towards our side. As long as we can accomplish this, I will carefully devise a plan that naturally puts us in an unassailable position,” Han Yu said, his eyes shining, exuding confidence from the inside out.

“You want to gain Liu Xiu’s trust through this incident,” Su Wenyue stated, not as a question, but as a certainty. Han Yu had made his intentions clear. Since he had arranged matters concerning Yiyang Prefecture, Su Wenyue naturally guessed his motives. People are such that when they are down on their luck and have failed, that is when they understand what is truly precious and trustworthy.

“Even so, this will not be an easy matter. How do you plan to go about it? How do you intend to gain Liu Xiu’s trust? There must be risks involved, which is why you were evasive before and did not tell me,” Su Wenyue’s mind grew increasingly clear. There was no trust without reason; if they wanted Liu Xiu to let down his guard and bias against Han Yu, it was necessary to do something touching enough to move Liu Xiu—an act with substantial weight. After all, fortune favors the bold.

“Daughter-in-law, since I promised to advance or retreat with you, I will not hide this matter from you. It is indeed somewhat dangerous, but I will try my best to control the risks, and keep them on the surface as much as possible,” Han Yu said and revealed his rough plan to Su Wenyue.

“Isn’t this too dangerous? Must it be this way?” Su Wenyue had guessed some of Han Yu’s possible actions before. In her previous life, she had heard that Han Yu had saved Liu Xiu, even once trading his own life for Liu Xiu’s safety, which was why Liu Xiu relied on Han Yu so much. This life, because of her rebirth, things had changed, but some still followed their original trajectory.

Seeing his daughter-in-law’s worried appearance, Han Yu said, “The particulars still depend on the situation at the time. We’ll need to play it by ear. So, if you hear news about me being in trouble, do not panic—it will certainly be something I’ve arranged in advance. I wouldn’t give opportunists any chance. I still have to spend a lifetime with you, so I will definitely take good care of myself and won’t let anything happen.”

“Then you’d better keep your promise, otherwise, if anything happens to you, I definitely won’t remain chaste. I’ll take our three children and marry another man, letting other men sleep with your daughter-in-law and beat your kids…” Su Wenyue said this, paying him back for the past when he angered her, but before she could finish, Han Yu covered her mouth.

Han Yu looked at Su Wenyue with a dark expression, hearing words akin to what he had once said. Even though he knew his daughter-in-law was deliberately provoking him, anger still surged through his heart—he felt an urge to give this mischievous being in his arms a good whack, yet he lacked the heart to do so. After all, his daughter-in-law was only mimicking him, and if he were to blame her, he had no standing. It was his own doing.

“Don’t even think about it. This life, the next life, the life after the next, no matter when, you will always belong to me, Han Yu. No other man shall lay a finger on you. If anyone tries, I’ll kill one as they come, kill pairs as they appear!” Han Yu said fiercely, as if facing his mortal enemy, his visage filled with deadly aura was intimidating.

But Su Wenyue was not afraid at all and continued to provoke him, “That’s all well and good, but only if you’re still alive. Otherwise, once your eyes close and you know nothing, who could you kill!”

It was then that Han Yu realized how aggravated his daughter-in-law must have felt when he said those things. Now, he felt the same. He had chosen particularly heart-stabbing words to stimulate his daughter-in-law into waking up, saying whatever could provoke her, and now karma had come back to him. Just the thought of the scene described by his daughter-in-law made veins on Han Yu’s forehead bulge.

“Rest assured, I will surely live to a ripe old age, and be there when you’ve grown so old you can’t walk. So, cast away your unrealistic thoughts, or be careful lest I discipline you!”

“I hope you’re true to your word. Otherwise, just you wait and see—I’ll definitely make good on mine,” Su Wenyue retorted firmly against Han Yu. After this verbal sparring, some of her unease and worry dissipated.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Despite the dangers this incident seemingly posed, as long as it was well planned, there would be no danger. Han Yu’s forte was in strategizing; since he had guaranteed her, he would undoubtedly make every effort to protect himself. Moreover, both Han Yu and Su Wenyue understood that this was something they had to do, there was no other choice—for a grim fate awaited their family if they did nothing.

Just as Han Yu seldom erred in his predictions and judgments, news came that the imperial court army had launched a major attack on Yiyang Prefecture. In just two days, Yiyang had nearly fallen. It was then Han Yu finally received a message from Liu Xiu, who probably realized how grave the situation was at this point, which is why he discarded all hesitation and hastily wrote to Han Yu, asking him to return and support him. Although Liu Xiu understood it might be too late, he had no other options but to ask for help.

Upon seeing the letter, Su Wenyue knew that some things were now inevitable. Though she was somewhat reluctant, she realized she could not hinder what had to be done and quietly prepared Han Yu’s belongings, waiting for him to announce his departure.

“Daughter-in-law, although we were prepared, things seem to have come too quickly. The situation at Yiyang Prefecture is worse than I imagined. Clearly, they face troubles both inside and out, which is why they were unable to hold up against the full-on assault of the imperial court. Such a short time, they barely held on before showing signs of defeat. I must go at once.”

Su Wenyue, who had envisioned this scenario countless times, turned out to be strong when it actually occurred. She remembered her promise to Han Yu and looked determined, “I know. Since it’s necessary, don’t dawdle. Delay could cause bigger problems. I’ve already packed your things. Go and notify those you need to and then leave. I’ll be waiting for your good news! Just one thing—be sure to stay safe.”