Chapter 384 - 391: To See Clearly

Han Yu said this because Liu Xiu was now relying on him a great deal. Unlike Su Wenyue, who knew about the previous life, the current Liu Xiu was just starting out, and everything was still challenging. Han Yu’s help was merely based on his respect for Liu Xiu’s character and the status of the Liu Family’s imperial descendants. In fact, in some respects, Han Yu’s achievements had surpassed those of Liu Xiu. Speaking this way was not so much about following Liu Xiu as it was about a partnership between equals.

Seeing Han Yu like this, Su Wenyue knew he didn’t take the matter to heart, probably feeling a frivolous woman was not worth the concern. Such a mindset was problematic. Even if Liu Xiu didn’t truly care for Chen Li and was merely using her, he would never tolerate his woman being involved with other men. This was a matter of a man’s dignity. Although Liu Xiu wouldn’t confront Han Yu over various reasons right now, he would remember this issue. Before gaining power, it might be fine, but once he came into power, this matter would become a fuse buried underground, ready to ignite at the slightest provocation, and the outcome would be predictable.

“It’s precisely because he’s a ‘Smart Person’ that he’s even more terrifying. Such a person might hide their dissatisfaction for the sake of a greater cause. Ask yourself, would you be comfortable if your woman had a past entanglement with another man?” Su Wenyue argued, recalling the unpleasant experience related to the ‘Colorful exquisite lamp’. The incident was left unresolved due to Han Yu suddenly leaving and then many things happening afterward.

“Those who seek great achievements must not get bogged down in trivial matters. Brother Liu has enough breadth of mind and won’t hold a grudge for such things,” Han Yu said, with a hint of hesitation in his voice, evidently not entirely convinced and uncomfortable with Su Wenyue’s comparison.

“Are you really sure? If so, then I won’t say any more,” Su Wenyue said, noticing the hesitation in Han Yu and raising an eyebrow.

Sighing in resignation, Han Yu replied, “Daughter-in-law, it was my oversight. I didn’t pay attention to these details. I’ll be more careful in the future. But daughter-in-law, you seem to hold Brother Liu in high regard. I’m afraid he will have great fortune in the future.”

As a man with a keen political sense, Han Yu immediately perceived something different in Su Wenyue’s attitude. He hadn’t forgotten how she once risked saving Liu Xiu. Knowing his daughter-in-law and aware that she had no prior involvement with Liu Xiu yet risked so much to save him, it was clear to him there was something significant there, especially now that he knew about Su Wenyue’s rebirth, which affirmed certain of his thoughts.

“Husband, you are very clever. Liu Xiu is no ordinary person. Although he now seems ordinary and has no great achievements, even lesser than you, he ends up the final winner, reaching the highest position and becoming the ‘Supreme Ruler’. Therefore, you must be particularly cautious around him. That said, if you have other plans, that’s a different matter.”

Because of her rebirth, many things had changed in this life. In the previous life, Han Yu was still on the front lines battling for merit at this time, but in this life, his starting point was much higher. If Han Yu genuinely wanted to vie for that position, he stood a chance. Although Su Wenyue didn’t exactly want Han Yu to compete, if he had that ambition, she would support him. Her mindset now differed from the past; she had come to terms with a lot more.

Han Yu paused, feeling a jolt even though he knew Liu Xiu would achieve greatness, upon hearing Su Wenyue’s words. He always had a high regard for Liu Xiu, believing the man’s character and all aspects to be commendable, but hadn’t anticipated Liu Xiu rising to such heights, nor Su Wenyue’s implications.

After contemplation, Han Yu shook his head and said, “Daughter-in-law, I do not have such ambition. That position is not meant for just anyone. Although Brother Liu may not be powerful now, he is nonetheless a descendant of the imperial family, and our stations are ultimately different. Besides, it’s not necessarily a good thing to hold that position.”

Han Yu inherently had the notion of being loyal to the sovereign. Though not dogmatic, he had never aspired to that position. Even when Su Wenyue mentioned it and he entertained the idea for a moment, he quickly dismissed it. This was not only due to his loyalty but also his principles and beliefs, along with various other reasons and considerations.

“Husband, you think more openly. That position is not as enviable as it seems. Although he eventually ascended to that position, it came with many sacrifices. Even later, as leader, maintaining his authority and balancing powers required him to compromise his desires. From afar, it seems majestic to sit in that position, but in reality, it’s not that great,” Su Wenyue said, affirming his sentiment when she saw he had no such ambitions.

Initially worried that his daughter-in-law might be disappointed if he didn’t live up to her high expectations—since everyone has some vanity and desires to climb higher—Han Yu was relieved. People seldom consider the sacrifices required to reach the top, but his daughter-in-law saw things more clearly than he had imagined.

“You’re right, daughter-in-law. That position is not so easy to hold. We might as well aim for something less, like being ‘Second-in-command’. That would be quite good as well,” Han Yu said, his true aim always thus, and unchanged by these events.

Su Wenyue nodded, knowing that in her previous life, Han Yu had indeed reached that position, though without her by his side, and she knew little of the inner workings.

“Since you think this way, we should plan early. Building good relations with him now could be advantageous. If we demonstrate our allegiance while he’s yet to rise, we might achieve different results. Also, you must sort out that affair with that woman properly, lest it become a future calamity,” Su Wenyue advised, recounting some future events from her memory to give Han Yu an overall understanding.

What Su Wenyue had considered, Han Yu had also thought of and even more. Being aware of future events and that Liu Xiu would ascend to that position, some of Han Yu’s previous arrangements had to be changed, the most significant of which was his stance on Liu Xiu. No longer could he be a mere observer; he had to show the utmost sincerity.

“Daughter-in-law, you’ve traveled far. Rest well for now. I’m off to the study to discuss some matters with my advisors,” Han Yu said, not one to procrastinate. Once he had made up his mind, he acted without delay, and some matters, indeed, could not wait.

Su Wenyue, seeing Han Yu was wounded, wanted to object, but knowing the importance of these matters, she couldn’t help but caution him.

“Husband, you’re injured. Be careful not to aggravate your wounds,” Su Wenyue urged, still worried as she personally escorted Han Yu to the study.