Chapter 28 - 28: Too Manv Mvsteries

Translator: 549690339

Seeing her daughter’s understanding, Mr. Su’s face also wore a smile, “It’s good you understand. Just remember that you are Han Yu’s wife and keep that in mind. However, you should still be cautious, for the human heart is separated by a belly, and even husbands and wives have moments when their interests don’t align. Consider carefully how to proceed with this matter, but your father suggests that it would be best to choose a good moment to reveal some of it to Han Yu. Even if he is capable, being prepared in advance can make things easier, and if you handle it well, your son-in-law will be grateful to you.”

“Father, rest assured, I will handle it myself. However, since I’m here in the study, there’s something else I need. Could you find me some enlightenment books? And also bundle up some paper and ink for me to take back; my little nephew could use them.” With the serious matters out of the way, Su Wenyue unabashedly asked Mr. Su for things, showing none of the self-consciousness one would expect from a married daughter. Mr. Su, on the other hand, listened to his daughter’s requests with a smile.

By this time, Su Hengxuan had returned with Han Yu. His brother-in-law was too shrewd and difficult to handle, and he could no longer fool him around. Thinking that enough time had passed for his sister and father to have finished their conversation, he brought Han Yu back. He had never doubted the judgment of Master Su and Mr. Su—but Han Yu exceeded his expectations, and given time, he would surely achieve great things, proving himself worthy of his sister.

“Oh, what’s this about, gathering so many books and writing materials? Since childhood, our third sibling has not been fond of studying. Her handwriting used to be so crooked she was often caught and taught a lesson by our grandfather. Now that she’s married, she suddenly thinks of studying? This is truly strange and curious!”

“Su Hengxuan, do you feel uncomfortable if you’re not finding fault with me for a moment? Don’t you know the saying ‘One should view others with fresh eyes after a mere three days apart’? Now I’m not only knowledgeable, but my handwriting is also attractive. I’ll show you my skills, so next time you won’t underestimate people by peering through the cracks of a door and belittling them.”

It wasn’t just Su Hengxuan who liked to tease Su Wenyue; she harbored the same sentiment. When the siblings got together, they always enjoyed a good tease. Having just shared her concerns with Mr. Su, Su Wenyue felt no need to hide anything now. Her mischievous instincts arose, and she eagerly anticipated Su Hengxuan’s surprised reaction. Approaching the writing desk, she confidently penned a few characters and looked triumphantly at Su Hengxuan, her eyebrows raised.

Witnessing the bold and elegant calligraphy on the paper, Su Hengxuan was so shocked his eyes nearly popped out. This—this—this was too incredible to believe. If he hadn’t seen Su Wenyue write it with his own eyes, he would’ve doubted the authenticity of this feat.

“How about that? Shocked out of your wits, right? That’s why I said you shouldn’t judge me with your old perspective. I’m no longer someone you can understand so easily. That’s the gap!” Su Wenyue said, and with an air of superiority, she patted Su Hengxuan on the shoulder, feeling very pleased with herself.

Her elder brothers used to mock her for not liking to study, but now she had her chance to turn things around. Thinking of this, Su Wenyue smiled even more proudly, then her expression stiffened slightly when she caught Han Yu’s thoughtful gaze, feeling a tingle of nervousness.

In her moment of triumph, she had forgotten about Han Yu, a person as astute as they come. Now she had let something slip, but considering he might have already noticed not just this discrepancy, she reasoned she would eventually share certain matters with Han Yu, so she might as well let him guess for now. With this thought, Su Wenyue felt more at ease.

Mr. Su, watching his children’s playful antics, couldn’t help but chuckle at his daughter’s mischief. It seemed that even after her extraordinary dream-like experience, she hadn’t changed her mischievous ways. He was well aware of his second son’s nature—he rarely saw him so surprised, as writing well doesn’t come overnight. He became even more convinced of his daughter’s words and started thinking about future arrangements, and he knew he should also subtly warn the folks back in Chang’an.

Han Yu saw everything, noting Su Hengxuan’s astonishment wasn’t feigned, which confirmed his wife’s prior state as being just as Su Hengxuan had described. But why had there been such a significant change in his wife? And that sudden improvement in her embroidery skills—all of it was so inexplicably realistic. Mystery surrounded his wife, yet none could not puzzle out the reasons.

Even with his strategic mind, Han Yu had no inkling of the cause. His father-in-law’s calm demeanor suggested he knew something, and reflecting on Su Hengxuan’s aimless wandering earlier, Han Yu realized someone must have deliberately sent him away. In just a short while, Han Yu had managed to piece together most of the puzzle, except for what caused his wife’s transformation. It seemed he would have to discover it slowly from Su Wenyue herself. When it came to matters of interest, Han Yu was never short on patience and made up his mind to bide his time with Su Wenyue.

Su Hengxuan had now regained his composure. He wasn’t a fool, but seeing his sister, whom he had watched grow up, undergo such a drastic change had naturally startled him. Now that Han Yu figured it out, he did too. He resolved to ask his father later what was going on and how his sister had suddenly become formidable, making it a bit less fun to tease her.

“Father-in-law, it’s getting late, and the journey back will take time. We should return to Xiaohe Village,” Han Yu said, seeing that the time was ripe to leave.

Although Mr. Su was reluctant to let his daughter go, he glanced at the time and indeed, it was getting late. He nodded and said, “You should head back now; otherwise, it will be dark by the time you arrive home. Yueyue’s mother is still preparing things for Yueyue to take back. I’ll send someone to inform her.”

The family sent off Han Yu and his wife at the front gate. In just the afternoon, the An Family had packed enough for two horse carriages. They had only taken the essentials, thinking that the Han Family hadn’t divided their household yet; otherwise, they would have prepared even more. There were all sorts of things Su Wenyue was accustomed to, as well as a maid who had served Su Wenyue closely in the past. That maid hadn’t followed Su Wenyue when she married and now, knowing what had happened during the tea ceremony with Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang teaming up to bully her daughter, Mrs. An couldn’t stand idly by and cared not for proprieties..