Chapter 568: 574: This Force

Everyone was discussing how to deal with the situation when a bodyguard guarding outside came in somewhat flustered to report, “Owner, the servant spotted Madam Han approaching, and she seems somewhat worried.”

The guard at the gate was Master Feng’s confidant, so he was well aware of what Master Feng and the others were discussing. He became somewhat flustered upon seeing Su Wenyue coming and hurriedly came in to report.

“Why has Lady Yue come at this time? Could it be that she knows about the son-in-law’s situation?” Master Su said with worry and concern, he was anxious about his son-in-law’s misfortune, but was even more troubled for his daughter, fearing that she would not be able to bear the news if she found out. Naturally, his daughter and son-in-law did not hold the same place in his heart.

“Father, don’t worry just yet, perhaps my sister doesn’t know. It’s possible that she’s concerned due to the lack of news from my brother-in-law these past few days,” Su Hengyi comforted his father, though his heart was also concerned. A trace of worry inevitably showed on his face. To the men of the Su Family, Su Wenyue was like a precious gem, a rarity given the scarcity of Su daughters, especially those of legitimate birth.

The Su Family’s traditional values and customs persist, where children born of concubines were considered only slightly more noble than servant girls. Boys could still make their way in the world on their own merits, while a concubine’s daughter only hoped for the queen mother’s kindness, to arrange for her a decent marriage; otherwise, her whole life could be considered ruined.

But precisely because of this, concubine-born children posed no threat to the queen mother, and the more astute ones treated them with lenience, their lives thus faring a bit better than similar offspring in other households.

Feng Jianling listened to Su Hengyi and added, “Indeed, Uncle, do not worry. Perhaps Yueyue has other matters to discuss. These past few days without news from Xiu Qi, she might have come over out of worry, so let us not disrupt our own formation. Say no more, within Feng Family Manor, neither my father nor I’s words can be defied. As soon as I learned of Xiu Qi’s predicament, I ordered a gag order, and since Yueyue hasn’t left Feng Family Manor, it’s likely she doesn’t know about Xiu Qi’s situation.”

Feng Jianling spoke confidently, sure of the absolute power and control he and his father wielded over Feng Family Manor. This was essential for maintaining the manor’s standing over the years, elevating it to a status on par with, or even rivaling, the Four Great Martial Arts Families.

“Nephew Jianling makes sense. I’ve been too worried about Lady Yue, thus losing composure,” Master Su said, feeling much more reassured.

Due to the absolute secrecy of the secret guard force established by Han Yu, aside from Su Wenyue, only Sikong Ling was incidentally aware of such an existence, although he merely speculated. No one else knew of the power that lay in Han Yu’s hands.

In truth, Master Su and his son had their suspicions, but they were unclear about the details. Even though Su Hengyi had spent time with Zhai Li, out of mutual respect, Su Hengyi never pried into these matters with Han Yu, his brother-in-law, despite their close relationship.

The Su family also had a presence similar to a secret guard, but developing such talent was extremely difficult, requiring substantial human and material resources, along with suitable candidates. Therefore, they had just a few people under their control, all placed in critical positions, never exposed before others, so as not to arouse suspicion from superiors. Even Madam Su, the Mistress of the Second branch of the Su Family, might have known something, but neither Master Su nor his son, her husband and her son, ever mentioned it to her.

So even though they were aware of Han Yu having such a force at his disposal, Master Su and his son never thought Han Yu would inform Su Wenyue, let alone entrust the authority to her. Should anything happen to Han Yu, Su Wenyue would be able to control that power.

Indeed, Han Yu’s past behavior led them to this misunderstanding. Han Yu had previously kept Su Wenyue away from outside matters, fearing for her safety and out of concern that she would worry had even kept many things from her, and they thought he would still behave the same way now. Their desire to protect Su Wenyue stemmed from similar reasoning, unaware that through the series of events, including the cliff jump, the couple had reached a mutual understanding.

Su Wenyue had inquired through her servants and, knowing her father and brothers were here, had come specifically to find them. Seeing not only her father and brothers but many other elders here, Su Wenyue wasn’t surprised and paid her respects to each of them.

Since the existence of the secret guard was known, it would be impossible for Su Wenyue to remain unaware of events happening outside. In a moment, she guessed why everyone had gathered here, especially as her father and brothers tried hard to hide it, the concern in their eyes when looking at her warmed her heart. There was a time when she had not cared and had missed out on it, only realizing after experiencing everything how lucky and happy she was to have such a family.

“It’s my fault for making the elders here worry; I apologize to you all,” said Su Wenyue, bowing to everyone before turning to her father and brother.

“Daddy, big brother, I know already about my husband’s situation. You don’t have to worry about me. Believe me, as a daughter of the Su Family, Su Wenyue is not one to be weak and unable to handle things. Even though I might have caused you concern in the past due to my ignorance, I have now grown up and understand the responsibilities of being the mistress of a household.”

Seeing Su Wenyue’s speech, Master Su and his son, instead of feeling relieved or at ease, looked at each other, worried that she might have heard some rumors and was pretending in order to test them, and were not quick to reply immediately.

“You little girl, what are you thinking, saying all this out of the blue! You are the precious daughter of the Su Family, naturally incomparable to ordinary daughters, and daddy has always known my Yueyue is the best. As for your son-in-law, you don’t need to worry. He’s involved in important matters outside, and it’s quite normal not to hear from him for a few days. You should not be concerned. As his wife, don’t you know how outstanding your son-in-law is? Brave and strategic, he can surely resolve any danger and will definitely return safely. Stop your needless worrying,” said Master Su, the seasoned businessman he was deep inside, while carefully observing his daughter’s reaction.

Seeing her father react this way made Su Wenyue feel both helpless and reassured. Her father and brother must think she was unaware of the truth and were trying to keep it from her out of fear that she would not handle the news well. She then said, “Father, you don’t have to hide things from me. I already know everything, perhaps even more than you do. You have to believe me.”

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