Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 417: Chapter 424: Noticing the Clue

But only they were privy to the true state of affairs, which could not be exposed to others, not even through their actions, including Liu Xiu, as the matter was of great significance.

Han Yu did not divulge the information he obtained from Sikong Ling to Liu Xiu. For one, it was Sikong Ling’s request, and moreover, Han Yu did not wish to arouse Liu Xiu’s suspicion. After all, Liu Xiu did not fully trust Han Yu at this time—Han Yu’s power was even greater than Liu Xiu’s. Liu Xiu had once suspected that Han Yu had malicious intentions, pretending to surrender to lower his guard with the aim of overtaking his power. However, upon analysis, there was no need for Han Yu to do so, and his actions did not imply it, but Liu Xiu still couldn’t completely trust him, knowing that this was a man capable of overturning his power at any moment.

Han Yu maintained a delicate balance of mutual trust with Liu Xiu. Should his ties with Sikong Ling be revealed, such a balance would break instantly. In the context of the Imperial Court preparing for an incoming large military force, the consequences of any mishap were obvious.

Although he had no intention of sending his wife and child away, Han Yu, having made arrangements, spent a full day in their company, savoring the rare enjoyment of time together as a family of five. He had fun, but it was truly exhausting. He even felt that caring for children was more challenging than leading soldiers in battle. Even though their three children were considered well-behaved, he deeply appreciated the hardships his wife endured.

“Wife, there’s something I need to discuss with you.” In the evening, after putting the children to bed, Han Yu decided to speak up. He had been concerned about causing his wife worry, but realized that keeping her in the dark could only lead to wild speculations should she hear rumors from outside, especially since his wife had clearly expressed that it wasn’t worth causing a rift between them. With past lessons in mind, Han Yu decided to tell her the truth.

“What is it? Please speak,” Su Wenyue said, seeing that Han Yu was serious and knowing that the issue at hand was no small matter.

“Wife, you are aware that although I have pledged loyalty to Brother Liu, he does not entirely trust me. I possess more authority than Brother Liu, which likely contributes to his cautious trust in me. It’s not good to continue harboring these suspicions, as they may be exploited eventually. The military encroachment by the court presents a crisis, but if used wisely, it can turn into an advantageous situation for us. Therefore, I plan to stage a ruse during this time. If you hear any harmful rumors about me, do not believe them hastily, nor should you worry,” Han Yu said, still somewhat circumspect. Indeed, gaining Liu Xiu’s complete trust was no simple task.

It was clear to Su Wenyue as well, but she did not object, recognizing the necessity of action without room for wishful thinking. Failing to handle the situation could result in catastrophe not only for Han Yu but also for the entire family. To be with the ruler was like accompanying a tiger; while Liu Xiu was still a cub, he was bound to become a ferocious tiger one day.

“Once you’ve made up your mind, I realize I cannot stop you, nor should I. I won’t say much else, just please ensure your own safety. No matter what happens, as long as you are alive, we can always make a comeback. But if you’re not, everything becomes meaningless. Plus, the children are still so young; could you bear to leave us—mother and child—behind?” Su Wenyue emphasized this point, seeking a promise from Han Yu to reassure herself.

“Rest assured, wife, I understand all these principles, and I will take care of myself. I certainly won’t abandon you and the children. However, you must also promise me that no matter how convincing the rumors outside are, you will not believe them; take good care of yourself and the children, and wait for my return. Remember, Han Yu never goes back on his word!” Han Yu, too, sought a promise from Su Wenyue.

“Agreed, a gentleman’s word is his bond—I’ll wait for you,” Su Wenyue replied solemnly, her heart heavy. Han Yu’s request for her promise surely signified that he foresaw what the future held. Despite having no other choices but to agree, she knew that since this was something Han Yu was determined to do, she would do all she could to alleviate his worries.

Having received Su Wenyue’s promise, Han Yu felt satisfied. Seeing his wife still looking serious and earnest, Han Yu suddenly smiled. “Let’s not be so tense. Nothing has happened yet, and you’re already as if facing a great enemy.”

Han Yu intentionally lightened the mood, steering the conversation towards more relaxed topics. Su Wenyue understood that overthinking was pointless and followed Han Yu’s lead, bringing up other matters.

“By the way, Husband, today the Yin Family sent over a post inviting us to a banquet. To host a banquet without any apparent reason—I think the Yin Family likely intends to announce the engagement of Miss Yin,” Su Wenyue remembered the post received that day and pieced together the information she had to guess the Yin Family’s intention.

Han Yu nodded, agreeing with his wife’s insight, aware of more details: “Brother Liu has already made arrangements with the Yin Family and exchanged marriage contracts. This event is indeed meant to make the news public, indicating to everyone the alliance between the Yin Family and the Liu Family.”

Previously, the Yin Family was considered a member of Liu Xiu’s faction, although their position was not very firm—merely a creation of circumstance. Now that the two families were united by marriage, their interests were intertwined, strengthening their ties. This event had occurred in the previous life as well, so Su Wenyue was not surprised, while Han Yu had anticipated it, for Liu Xiu, with his limited military power, needed to secure his rule by such means. Furthermore, this action from Liu Xiu likely included an element of guarding against Han Yu.

However, Han Yu had no intention of opposing Liu Xiu—he was genuinely loyal, and Liu Xiu’s move did not significantly affect him. He merely needed to accelerate his plans to earn Liu Xiu’s full trust.

Han Yu was indeed wary of Yin Shi. Unlike Liu Xiu, who was open and valued loyalty and had a broadminded nature, willing to accommodate him without concrete evidence of foul play, Yin Shi was calculative. Although his outward demeanor towards Han Yu was cordial and seemingly amiable, if Han Yu ever encroached on the Yin Family’s interests or if there were a need to pave the way for them, Yin Shi would act without hesitation. Not only had Su Wenyue warned Han Yu, but he could also discern this from Yin Shi’s daily conduct.

For instance, with Miss Yin, despite Yin Shi’s great affection for his younger sister, when it came to sacrificing her for the Yin Family’s benefit, with the rampant rumors regarding Liu Xiu and Chen Li, Yin Shi still unhesitatingly married his sister off to Liu Xiu. Although Miss Yin was willing herself, Yin Shi, as her direct relative and big brother, did not consider her future happiness.