Chapter 585 - 591: City Lord's Only Daughter

And so, the night passed in waiting; Su Wenyue’s concern grew from mild to severe. She didn’t rest at all, just waiting there for Han Yu, occasionally stepping outside to check. Without realizing it, the night had slipped away.

The sky was already brightly lit outside, with the sun having risen when Su Wenyue, running out of patience, considered going into the city to look around; that’s when Liu Xiu and Han Yu finally returned. However, they were not alone; a woman in red, looking like a blaze, followed them. Her attire was luxurious, and she exuded an air of nobility and pride that betrayed her high status. Su Wenyue had obtained some information about the Lord of Peicheng City, and she now had a guess about the woman’s identity.

The City Lord of Peicheng had three sons and one daughter. He doted on his only daughter greatly. Judging by the woman’s dress and demeanor, she must be Liu Xinru, the daughter of the City Lord of Peicheng.

Seeing Liu Xinru talking cheerfully with Liu Xiu, showing little regard for Han Yu, it seemed Han Yu’s stern countenance had done its job. Su Wenyue breathed a sigh of relief internally, tinged with fortune, but also feeling a silent mourning for Yin Lihua. Being wed to someone like Liu Xiu, it was impossible to have a marriage like other couples; she was destined to share her man with various women. Aside from being magnanimous, there was no other choice.

As she knew, Yin Shi and Yin Lihua were already on their way to Peicheng to meet up with them, expecting to arrive soon. If they knew about the existence of Liu Xinru, they would probably be rather distressed. However, Su Wenyue’s thoughts flickered to Yin Lihua’s calm face, always adorned with a faint smile—even in the face of someone with clear intentions like Chen Li, she still managed to maintain a friendly and harmonious front. Perhaps Yin Lihua never cared for Liu Xiu the person, but rather what Liu Xiu could bring her, and she didn’t mind Liu Xinru at all.

In her previous life, Su Wenyue remembered, Yin Lihua was even more magnanimous and kind-hearted, eventually ceding her position to Queen Guo. Such a generous woman was unparalleled in history. Combined with her previous life-saving grace and affection for Liu Xiu, she easily secured a significant place in his heart, turning into the bright moonlight of his soul. With her keen understanding of Liu Xiu’s thoughts and careful actions, she ultimately triumphed, displacing Queen Guo and a strong-willed Imperial Consort Li, who had made substantial contributions—let alone others.

This could be seen as an inspiring tale for women. However, in this life, because of her rebirth, Yin Lihua couldn’t offer Liu Xiu the life-saving favor, and the marriage alliance between their families was merely a union of interests. Liu Xiu’s affection toward Yin Lihua was nothing like it had been in their former life; how things would develop was still uncertain.

But speaking of which, not only were Yin Shi and Yin Lihua informed of their intention to settle in Peicheng, but Chen Li was also on her way.

It would be a drama with three women, none an ordinary character. It was hard to predict what kind of scene it would be when they all converged.

In order to avoid Liu Xiu, Su Wenyue didn’t go out to greet him. From her hiding spot, she saw them return and then entered the tent, thinking it couldn’t be the solution to always hide from Liu Xiu. Eventually, the truth would come out. However, she believed the situation wasn’t that serious—no matter what, Liu Xiu wouldn’t do anything to her, his life-saver. Besides, she was Han Yu’s wife. Even if he did harbor such thoughts, he wouldn’t show it. After all, to someone like Liu Xiu, nothing was more important than the great cause of the empire.

That’s what Su Wenyue convinced herself, but considering her husband’s excessive jealousy, she decided to abide by Han Yu’s wishes in the end.

Liu Xiu was still entertaining Liu Xinru, but Han Yu left ahead of them. Having not returned all night, his wife must have been terribly worried, likely not having rested well. Indeed, when he arrived at the tent, he saw his wife waiting expectantly.

“Wife, I’m back,” Han Yu said with a light smile, knowing that no matter how bad the situation, as long as his wife was there, it felt like home.

“Husband, what exactly happened? You went to meet Liu Wenyong, the City Lord of Peicheng, but why did it take a whole day to return?” Su Wenyue did not ask whether their talk was successful or whether the City Lord would allow them to stay, but seeing Liu Xinru with them, she knew the answer—had Liu Wenyong refused, he wouldn’t have allowed Liu Xinru’s behavior.

“The City Lord was insistent, wanting us to stay the night. It was difficult to refuse, so we stayed. The city gates were closed, and we couldn’t send messages to you, causing you to worry,” Han Yu explained.

Su Wenyue wasn’t actually accusing him; she was just worried. Since it was Liu Wenyong’s hospitality, indeed, it wouldn’t have been appropriate to refuse, especially as they were the ones asking for his help. “I see. I was worried that something unexpected had happened. As long as you are fine, it’s good. Have you had breakfast since returning this morning? I’ll prepare it now,” she said.

Now that she knew Han Yu was safe, Su Wenyue’s mood returned to normal, and she felt hungry, thus she asked. As a wife, her first thought was not of herself, but of Han Yu.

Han Yu had already noticed the dark circles under Su Wenyue’s eyes: “Wife, didn’t I tell you I would be fine and return, and you shouldn’t worry? Looking at you now, it seems you barely slept or ate properly last night, did you?!”

That was when the previously quiet Shu Xiang spoke up, “Madam, due to her worry for Master, she really hasn’t eaten much. From yesterday until now, she’s only eaten a few cakes, and that was after much persuasion from the servant girls; she barely slept last night, insisting on waiting for your return, Master.”@@novelbin@@

Xiao Xi spoke out of concern for Su Wenyue’s well-being and also wanted Han Yu to know what his wife had done for him.

Seeing Xiao Xi meddling like this, Su Wenyue tried to stop her, but Xiao Xi was too quick. Glancing at Han Yu’s expression, she knew she couldn’t avoid his lecture, and sure enough…

As Han Yu heard this, his brow furrowed: “Nonsense! Do you think your body is too healthy? What did I say when I left yesterday? You didn’t take any of it to heart, did you? If you’re so inconsiderate, how can I trust you to stay by my side? This little matter has got you neglecting yourself to the point of not eating or sleeping. If I had known you’d behave like this, I should have just left you and the child at the Feng Family Manor.”

Han Yu was clearly angry, and Su Wenyue sneaked a glare at Xiao Xi, the troublesome servant girl.

Xiao Xi, upon seeing her mistress glaring at her, showed no fear; instead, she looked perfectly justified. The Master was right; the Madam was really too worrisome. Serving at the mistress’s side and before leaving, Aunt Li had instructed them not to always indulge Madam’s whims; if the Madam was disobedient, they were to tell the Master so he could take care. //

Seeing her mistress’s reaction, it was apparent she was afraid of Master. Aunt Li knew her mistress’s nature well, and if the mistress didn’t care for the Master’s well-being, she wouldn’t help hide it. The mistress’s glare held no power over Xiao Xi, and she wasn’t scared at all!