Chapter 553 - 559: Unable to Escape

Everyone saw what was going on and couldn’t help but find it amusing, and Han Yu felt the same way. If there hadn’t been so many people around, he would have loved to caress his daughter-in-law’s cheeks and shower her with affection. His wife was always so adorable that it stirred up an urge to spoil her, but with so many people present, especially those he couldn’t afford to “offend,” he had to restrain himself, thinking he’d make it up to her later.

“Cousin’s right; that’s the proper way to handle things. From now on, I’ll definitely follow cousin’s lead and won’t overly indulge Lady Yue, especially with matters concerning her health. There can’t be any compromise on that,” Han Yu said, glancing meaningfully at Su Wenyue. The implication behind his words was clear: she’d better behave since even her own family sided with him.

Su Wenyue glared back at Han Yu, irritated, and returned his challenging gaze, “What are you going to do about it? If you really dare, from now on, you’ll sleep in the study room. Don’t think I can’t handle you!”

“Wife, come on, let’s not get confused here about what’s what,”…

The couple exchanged looks, and it was obvious to the onlookers whose ranks didn’t include any blind people. Watching them behave like this, Master Su was the first to grow displeased. Although he had agreed to marry off his daughter, many of his reasons had to do with trusting the old master; therefore, it was not without some frustrations. His precious daughter whom he’d raised for so many years had been taken by another man; he couldn’t be happy about it, even if his son-in-law was growing on him. But to have it flaunted in front of him, that was a different story; it was a challenge to his authority.

“Humph, if you have something to say, speak properly,” Master Su said, doing his best not to be too harsh on his darling daughter, who had just returned home, and instead directed his irritation at his suddenly less endearing son-in-law with a stern face.

Han Yu was very perceptive and knew immediately what his father-in-law was upset about, and quickly responded respectfully, “Father-in-law is right; my mistake.”

“Alright, our daughter and son-in-law have finally come back. Old master, why be so harsh? You’ll scare our daughter,” Madam Su, who was not initially in favor of her daughter marrying Han Yu, now surprisingly had no objections to their affection. Seeing Master Su acting this way, she protectively spoke up.

Master Su mostly indulged his wife and relaxed his stern demeanor, “Madam is right; it was just a comment. After all, with so many people here, some decorum is necessary. What they do in private isn’t something I can control.”

“Hmmph, anyway, you’re not to scold them. Our daughter and son-in-law have suffered enough recently. Coming back home, they shouldn’t have to deal with your moods—that’s it!”

“Yes, yes, Madam is right; I’ll listen to you,” Master Su said, quickly agreeing as his temperamental wife appeared about to erupt. In the Su Family, cherishing the daughter-in-law was a tradition. As long as it didn’t involve the family’s interests, the daughter-in-law came first.

Madam Su was satisfied and nodded, “That’s more like it.”

“By the way, what were you discussing just now? Was it about Yiyang Prefecture? Continue, I’ll sit here. Don’t mind me,” Su Wenyue said, noticing Master Su looked somewhat embarrassed after Madam Su’s jab, and wanted to divert the topic out of affection for her father.

However, instead of easing the tension, Su Wenyue’s words seemed to make the atmosphere even more strained. Everyone, as if by unspoken agreement, turned to look at Han Yu. After all, it would be more appropriate for Han Yu to speak to Su Wenyue about the matter at hand since they were husband and wife. They were also hesitant to tell her now, leaving Han Yu to decide.

“What’s wrong? Why does the atmosphere feel so odd? Did I say something wrong or ask about something I shouldn’t have?” Su Wenyue, sensing the stiffness in the air, asked in confusion. In other households, women are not supposed to inquire about men’s affairs, but it was different in the Su Family. Besides, Han Yu never kept such matters from her, which was why she asked.

“Wife, I…” Han Yu didn’t intend to keep her in the dark, but found it hard to start, nor did he want to see his wife worried or upset. Yet, this issue had to be addressed; there was no avoidance.

By now, if Su Wenyue hadn’t realized that Han Yu was keeping something from her, she’d be a fool, especially since Han Yu had a history of this. Her annoyance grew upon seeing Han Yu’s hesitant and stammering demeanor, and the smile disappeared from her face as dark clouds formed. Her gaze turned cold as she stared at him.

“Han Yu, I remember you once promised me that you wouldn’t keep anything from me anymore, and a promise is a promise! But what now? What are you hiding from me? I may not be all that remarkable, or perhaps I’m just a faithful wife in your eyes, but I’m not without a temper. If this happens again, don’t blame me for…”

Su Wenyue was cut off mid-sentence by Han Yu, “Wife, please don’t be like this. I made a promise and I will keep it; I have no intention of deceiving you. It’s just this is something I’ve only recently decided, and I haven’t figured out how to tell you yet.”

“As long as you’re not trying to fool me, there’s nothing to think about. Just say it as it is, based on the facts. I’m listening,” Su Wenyue said sternly, her anger lending her an imposing aura she’d acquired from being by Han Yu’s side for so long.

Han Yu would usually compliment her, saying: “Wife, you’re getting more imposing, almost like me, true to the style of Han Yu’s wife,” but he wasn’t in the mood for flattery now. He looked at his wife’s stern face and felt a headache coming on. He knew his wife well enough; she was truly angry, and without a good explanation to clear things up, there’d be trouble in his backyard.

Madam Su was there all along and knew the gist of the matter. Seeing her daughter like this and her son-in-law struggling, she swiftly interjected, “Enough now, Lady Yue. What I said to your father holds true: why can’t we speak nicely? There’s no need to be so upset. The son-in-law didn’t do anything wrong, nor did he mean to hide it from you; he just hasn’t had the chance yet. What are you being so temperamental for? You’re both adults now, no need for such childish troubles. Don’t make a fuss!”

“Mother, you don’t understand. I’m not a child anymore. Don’t interfere in this matter; Han Yu, explain things clearly to me!” Su Wenyue said.

Madam Su was worried her daughter would make a scene in front of so many people, which could hurt her son-in-law’s pride. What do men value most? Their pride. How they behave in private is one thing, but in public, it’s quite another. A public scene could affect their marital relationship, and despite her intentions, her daughter seemed not to appreciate her wisdom and was relentless. Madam Su glanced at her son-in-law’s expression…