Chapter 422 - 429: Mixing Everything into One Discussion

Without waiting for the housekeeper to speak, Chen Li blurted out the servant girls’ earlier actions with exaggerations, leaving the housekeeper no chance to interject.

Liu Xiu already felt somewhat guilty about the engagement with the Yin Family, and even though he thought Chen Li’s request was excessive, he did not rebuke her. Although the Liu Family was known for treating servants kindly, this did not change the fact that in the eyes of the masters, servants were nothing more than contemptible playthings, easily dealt with. If sacrificing two servants could placate Chen Li, of course, he would comply, especially since those maids had indeed erred. Chen Li had helped him significantly over the days and had come up with several good ideas; he still needed her.

Chen Li felt somewhat comforted when Liu Xiu agreed to her demands regarding the maids, but the news of Liu Xiu’s engagement to Yin Lihua remained unexplained, causing the brief smile on her face to fade as she looked at Liu Xiu with a melancholic gaze.

Liu Xiu, under such a resentful stare from Chen Li, felt quite uncomfortable, as if he were a heartless scoundrel—though there was some truth to that. However, Liu Xiu believed he had no reason to feel guilty, as he had never made any promises to Chen Li. It wasn’t he who initiated anything; it was Chen Li who had approached him for backing. Since he had helped Chen Li establish herself, wasn’t it natural for her to repay him?

There were no deals in the world that were all benefits and no losses. Even now, his treatment of Chen Li was nothing more than that towards a subordinate; there wasn’t any overstepping. It was Chen Li’s own delusion. Of course, Liu Xiu wasn’t entirely blameless—in full awareness of Chen Li’s feelings, he continued to use her to his advantage without offering reminders or firm refusals, declining to voice his true thoughts.

“Big Brother Liu, Uncle Wen, I thought you understood my feelings. Why would you marry Miss Yin? Where did I fall short for you to treat me so?”

“Ah Li, I hold no romantic feelings for you, and thus, I’ve never made any promises in that regard. I thought you’ve always known that our relationship is built on mutual benefit. If, through all this time, we’ve developed a connection, it’s still different from romantic affection,” Liu Xiu gently explained.

Chen Li couldn’t accept Liu Xiu’s words: “Big Brother Liu, how can you say that? How can it not be romantic affection? I’ve told you before, if you had no such intentions, why didn’t you refuse?”

Liu Xiu, pressured by Chen Li’s questioning, admitted his discomfort: “I confess that I was wrong in that regard. If you cannot accept it, I won’t force you. If you desire any form of compensation, as long as it’s not too excessive, I will do my best within my capabilities to make amends.”

Chen Li had aspired to be the one second to none, standing by Liu Xiu’s side. His so-called compensation was of no significance to her. However, understanding that the marriage between Liu Xiu and Yin Lihua was inevitable and wouldn’t change because of her, she knew she needed to ponder her next steps.

Liu Xiu now showed understanding toward Chen Li: “You needn’t decide right away. Let me know what you wish after careful consideration, and I’ll arrange for someone to escort you home.”

Chen Li, uninterested in staying any longer, nodded her head and left the Liu Mansion in a daze. Contemplating the unworthy man she had dealt with, she had thought of severing ties, but she lacked the means; should she truly fall out with Liu Xiu, there would be plenty eager to mock her.

Su Wenyue returned home from the Yin Mansion’s banquet, feeling out of sorts. She first visited her children and, seeing them playing well, sat by the window and zoned out.

Upon returning, Han Yu found his beauty gazing out the window and embraced her gently, touching her chilly cheeks: “What are you thinking about? You’re so absorbed. Even though the weather is still warm, you shouldn’t sit by the window for too long without wearing more clothes. What if you catch a cold?”

Su Wenyue, lost in thought, had her trance interrupted by Han Yu’s nagging. She turned around resignedly and allowed him to lift her away from the window, her body showing a lethargic lack of energy.

“What’s wrong? You seem so listless. Did something unpleasant happen at today’s banquet? Did anyone bully you?” Han Yu was convinced that his daughter-in-law wouldn’t be upset without reason, as nothing at home should trouble her. Even troubles concerning the children would never bother her, so it must have been something at the banquet.

Su Wenyue shook her head: “Who could bully me? With your status nowadays, people can’t wait to curry favor with me.”

Although Su Wenyue said this, her mood was still sour, and she didn’t look up at Han Yu, making it seem as though he had offended her.

“Then what’s the matter? You seem so negatively listless; it’s rare to see you like this. Is there something bothering you? Tell your husband, and let me enlighten you,” Han Yu said, affectionately caressing Su Wenyue’s face with a voice that was extra gentle and patient.

Su Wenyue, comforted by Han Yu’s tenderness, still didn’t offer a smile. Instead, she sat up and glared at him, saying languidly, “You men really aren’t worth much, hmph.”

Starting to see the signs, Han Yu understood he was suffering unjustly because of other men, thus facing his wife’s cold treatment and disdain. Considering the relationships between Liu Xiu, Yin Lihua, and Chen Li, Han Yu began to understand what was troubling his wife today. However, she already knew about it and hadn’t shown any adverse reactions before; now, it seemed to have affected her.

“Wife, what do you mean by that? Are you dissatisfied with me as your husband? We need to have a serious discussion. Without clearing these misunderstandings, they could easily harm the affection between husband and wife,” Han Yu did not agree with his wife’s ‘blaming the innocent by association’ attitude, preparing for a sincere talk with Su Wenyue.

“I didn’t say anything wrong. Look at you men; every one of you, upon gaining power, takes several wives and concubines, filling up the backyard with women, forsaking the old for the new. Even Third Young Master Liu is no good man. Even if Chen Li was such a woman, having meddled with her, he should have taken responsibility. Instead, he gets engaged to Miss Yin, not giving Chen Li a word of explanation, leaving her to find out at the banquet. Imagine how devastating that was! Even Miss Yin, talented and beautiful, considered to be a gentle and demure woman, will eventually be abandoned as he secures his power. This shows how cold-hearted and faithless you men can be.”

Hearing this, Han Yu understood several points from Su Wenyue’s words, yet none were as concerning to him as his wife lumping him together with those faithless men,