Chapter 408: 415: Only Possibility

“I’ve said before, if you want to be by my side, you should know your place. What to ask, and what not to ask. I thought you understood that very clearly?” Liu Xiu’s words were his sternest warning to Chen Li yet. If Chen Li continued to lack discretion, even if he had intentions of using her to counterbalance the Su Family, he wouldn’t keep her around. Besides, Liu Xiu might be more aware of Chen Li’s feelings for Han Yu than she realized. A woman like that, once she saw some benefit, could easily turn traitor.

Chen Li didn’t expect that her probing would not only fail but also result in such a harsh warning from Liu Xiu. Did this mean that if she didn’t show discretion, he wouldn’t want to keep her around?

Chen Li was certain her interpretation was correct. While fear and worry consumed her, she was also filled with rage and resentment. Men really are ungrateful creatures. She had helped Liu Xiu a lot when he was in a tough spot, and now that he had gained some power, he discarded her like an old shoe. Where was the patience and tolerance he had initially shown? Even so, she was powerless against him. Without what Liu Xiu brought to the table, she was just a businesswoman—she had no capital to turn against him, neither then nor now.

“Big Brother Liu, I… I was just worried about you. If you don’t want to talk about it, then don’t—we don’t have to be so fierce. When you’re like this, it makes me feel so bad,” Chen Li said, regardless of her inner thoughts, putting on an act of being a pitiful, bullied and heartbroken woman.

Liu Xiu had no real intention of discarding Chen Li at that moment. Seeing her show weakness, he decided to relent, softening his attitude somewhat.

“Lady Li, it’s not that I’m heartless. But as you know, I have ambitions. To achieve my goals, I need to set strict requirements, clearly separate my personal and public life, and ensure no lines are crossed. In the future, don’t meddle or speculate in matters that aren’t your concern. One day, when I’ve achieved my goals, I will not treat you unfairly,” Liu Xiu explained. It was a classic carrot and stick approach—he needed to handle the woman with a mix of severity and comfort, offering prospects of reward.

“Big Brother Liu, I was wrong. From now on, I won’t ask about things I shouldn’t. You’ll still be as good to me as you were before, won’t you?” Chen Li felt deep contempt for Liu Xiu’s actions, but he was her only support, and he was the one who historically ascended to that high position. She had no choice but to compromise.

Liu Xiu found Chen Li’s reaction quite satisfying. This woman, if nothing else, knew the importance of timing.

After leaving the Liu Mansion, Han Yu secretly instructed his people to keep an eye on Chen Li’s movements. Chen Li’s visit today was sufficient proof that she was growing impatient and plotting against the Heavenly Pavilion. As for Liu Xiu, Han Yu trusted that a clear-headed man like him would not harm his daughter-in-law over a woman. At this time, it wasn’t appropriate for Han Yu to do much within the Liu Mansion. Although he had his own spies there, they should not be used rashly unless absolutely necessary.

Liu Xiu seemed to rely on and trust him greatly for now, but Han Yu knew it was only on the surface. Deep down, Liu Xiu harbored doubts and suspicions about him. If roles were reversed, Han Yu would feel the same. After all, their relationship before this hadn’t been deep. How could they fully share and trust each other? Liu Xiu was already acting very gentlemanly by showing this much trust. Now was a time of testing and observation for Han Yu. He couldn’t afford to let any slip occur; otherwise, making amends wouldn’t be easy. It might ruin everything he had worked for so far. He could not take any risks with this matter.

“Daughter-in-law, be cautious these days. Have Uncle Fu put aside other matters for now and keep watch over the Heavenly Pavilion. Shopkeeper Yu, although loyal and capable, still lacks some shrewdness. Faced with those cunning and calculating people, it’s easy for him to be at a disadvantage if he’s not careful.” Han Yu wouldn’t involve his spies at the Liu Mansion over such a trifle, but he could defend from the front. No matter what schemes Chen Li concocted, with an old hand like Fu Lu watching, nothing would go wrong.

When Su Wenyue heard Han Yu suddenly say this, her eyes darted around. “Husband, has there been some activity from Chen Li’s end?”

Seeing his wife’s cleverness, especially since she became more quick-witted after opening her store, Han Yu touched her head affectionately. “There are some signs, but don’t worry. Just have Uncle Fu pay close attention, and everything will be fine. Chen Li may be cunning, but she’s no match for Uncle Fu.”

As Han Yu spoke, he also told her about seeing Chen Li at Liu Mansion that day. Su Wenyue agreed with him—Chen Li seeking Liu Xiu at this time was definitely not as simple as rekindling their relationship. However, there was no need to worry too much. Just by being cautious, they should be fine. Without Liu Xiu’s support, and with only her own schemes, Chen Li couldn’t cause a significant disturbance. And from the day they opened, the Heavenly Pavilion and Xiuli Department Store were in different leagues—a fact unlikely to change easily.

Neither Han Yu nor Su Wenyue liked Chen Li very much, so after deciding on their course of action, they dropped the subject. Instead, they discussed the current situation in Yiyang Prefecture.

Yiyang Prefecture seemed peaceful at the moment, but Su Wenyue, having experienced the events of her previous life, understood that this calm was only temporary. The Imperial Court wouldn’t let ‘traitors’ run amok for long. Moreover, Han Yu and the others had managed to capture Yiyang Prefecture mainly because General An had made concessions. If it really came to a fight, the outcome remained uncertain.

Although Han Yu had mastered The Art of War and was becoming more skilled at troop deployment and strategy, with many tricks up his sleeve, he was still green and lacked experience compared to the battle-hardened General An. Also, Liu Xiu’s side was at a numerical disadvantage. If the Imperial Court sent reinforcements, the situation could change. Recently, there were rumors that General An might have been swayed by messengers from the court.

General An had initially chosen to step aside, partly out of gratitude for Mr. and Mrs. Han Yu’s lifesaving help and care for his wife and child, and partly out of dissatisfaction with the court, unwilling to be manipulated by corrupt officials. Rather than fight to the death for those officials, against Liu Xiu and Han Yu, it was better to rule over his own territory and army.

“Husband, are the recent rumors true? Is General An really considering a counterattack on Yiyang Prefecture?” Su Wenyue was worried. She blamed herself for not taking these matters seriously in her previous life. With so many changes happening this life, she couldn’t guess the situation.

Faced with his wife’s questions, Han Yu wasn’t sure how to answer. The rumors in the streets were half true. The court sending someone to persuade General An was confirmed, but General An’s stance remained an unknown. How things would develop depended on General An’s attitude.

“Madam, your letter.”

Just then, a servant brought in a letter—a urgent message without a signature. Su Wenyue’s expression brightened. A letter sent in this manner could only mean one thing…