Chapter 619: Six Hundred and Twenty-Five

The Imperial Court’s troops have suffered several setbacks, and this time the operation became even more clandestine. Even with the assistance of Liu Xuan, it was too late for Han Yu and the others, who had already detected signs of trouble, to prevent the assault. Before everyone could react, the attack on Peicheng had already begun.

Fortunately, Liu Qian and Liu Xiu, along with Han Yu, knew Liu Xuan’s character well and were fully prepared for the defense, which allowed them to hold the city in such a sudden attack, although the losses were still severe.

As the Imperial Court’s troops advanced, the calm days were once again disrupted, and an atmosphere of extraordinary tension pervaded everyone’s heart.

As Han Yu’s wife, Su Wenyue knew far more than the average person and was keenly aware of the gravity of the situation. However, at this time, other than worry and maintaining stability in the inner house, she had no other recourse.

It had been ten consecutive days without seeing Han Yu. Fortunately, with the help of a reliable source, Su Wenyue received news of Han Yu and was slightly relieved.

Han Yu lived up to his title of ‘War God’. Even as Liu Xuan and the Imperial Court colluded, tension escalated, but within a mere half a month, the tide turned from Han Yu’s initial disadvantage. Under such circumstances, Liu Wenyong and his son Liu Qian, unwilling to bow to the treacherous Court officials, resolutely handed their power to Liu Xiu. From then on, Liu Xiu became the actual ruler of Peicheng.

Two months later, the Imperial Court’s troops were defeated and Liu Xiu expanded his influence greatly, having gathered numerous cities under his rule. His power now rivaled the Court’s. Later, in pursuit of his ambition to unify the realm, Liu Xiu also married Mrs. Guo, the niece of King Gong from the northern powers.@@novelbin@@

Since her rebirth, Su Wenyue found that though many things had changed from her previous life, the trajectory of history seemed to have altered little and was operating along a predestined path. Just as she remembered, individuals like Sikong Ling and others eventually pledged allegiance to Liu Xiu, whose power grew so immense that the Court could no longer contend with him.

Six years later, with the steadfast support of people like Han Yu, Liu Xiu finally pacified the land, ascended the throne, and established the New Year, achieving this three years earlier than Su Wenyue remembered.

“You’re back!” Su Wenyue looked at Han Yu, dressed in official robes and appearing especially handsome and valiant, and was somewhat mesmerized.

“How did the first day at court feel? Did the Emperor bestow any rewards on you?” Su Wenyue asked half-jokingly, knowing that the new emperor, according to tradition, would lavish his heroes. For many years, Han Yu had been on campaigns in the north and the south, and now, having ended such turbulent times, could finally settle down; Su Wenyue felt an unparalleled peace in her heart.

Han Yu looked affectionately at his wife who came to greet him at the door. His stern expression softened immediately, and the aura about him was hidden as he smiled and held her hand.

“Of course, the Emperor has honored me as the First-Class Marquis of Zhen Guo. From now on, you are the First-Class Marquis Lady,” said Han Yu with a smile. As the saying goes, ‘When the husband prospers, the wife benefits.’ This was exactly what he had hoped for in the beginning; the efforts he had made were all for this day. Yet, when this day actually arrived, he did not feel as elated as he had imagined. There’s a saying that ‘the hare is skinned once caught, and the hunting dogs are cooked when the hunting’s done.’ Now the Emperor had achieved his position, he was no longer the person he used to be. Although he seemed to trust Han Yu as before, due to their special relationship, he was already wary of other meritorious officials, and it was only a matter of time…

“Really? That’s wonderful! A First-Class Marquis Lady, I’m indeed in the limelight,” Su Wenyue’s smile broadened. She had not expected such a day for herself. In her previous life, Han Yu was merely a first-rank General; in this life, he was beyond that rank. She was no longer confined as a mere Concubine in the backyard, unseen. Everything felt like a dream. Don’t call her vain; which woman wouldn’t be delighted at such a time?

Seeing his wife so joyful, Han Yu’s smile became more genuine. Despite his worries, it was rare to see her this happy: “Yes, a First-Class Marquis Lady of Zhen Guo. From now on, you can practically strut around anywhere except in the palace,” he said.

As soon as he finished speaking, a subordinate arrived with news that a Ceremonial official was on the way with an imperial edict for Su Wenyue. Hearing this, Han Yu didn’t rejoice but his expression darkened.

Han Yu knew that the Emperor had once desired his wife, which was why he had kept her hidden from him. But later, the Emperor had discovered the clues, and although he didn’t say it openly, Han Yu was certain the Emperor knew that his wife was the woman he had once gone to great lengths to find. Perhaps out of respect for Han Yu, or maybe because time had erased the Emperor’s memories, there was no more pursuit afterward.

Now it seemed that the Emperor still harbored thoughts for his wife, treating her with such distinction. Not even the families of the full Court of civilian and military officials, or the Imperial consorts in the palace, had received their titles, but his wife alone was granted an imperial edict. What did this imply?

“Husband, what’s wrong? You don’t seem happy, even though the Court issuing the imperial edict to me is a good thing,” Su Wenyue said, puzzled as she looked at Han Yu. With the Court’s edict, she’d be a legitimate first-rank Marquis Lady. Was there some reason behind this? Su Wenyue’s smile faded as she suddenly realized something.

Su Wenyue had also felt Liu Xiu’s different treatment; there were a few occasions where she encountered him in private, particularly the first time, with Liu Xiu’s expression of surprise, and the reactions that followed. How could Su Wenyue not be aware? Although she had told Han Yu about some of it, fearing he might overthink things, she hadn’t gone into detail.

“Husband, don’t be upset. It doesn’t matter to me whether I’m the imperial edict wife or not. If you don’t like it, I just won’t accept it,” Su Wenyue said, seeing that Han Yu was clearly unhappy, and quickly added. She guessed Han Yu was thinking of something related to Liu Xiu and said quickly that she really didn’t care about that vanity; if it made Han Yu unhappy, it wasn’t worth it.

Seeing his wife react like that, Han Yu regretted showing his emotions. It was rare for his wife to be happy, and he rubbed her head affectionately: “Silly daughter-in-law, the imperial edict isn’t something you can just refuse. Besides, it’s a good thing. Just be content as the royal wife and don’t worry about anything else.”

Su Wenyue nodded and began to prepare for the arrival of the imperial decree. Sure enough, the Ceremonial official soon arrived.

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees… Let it be known that she is hereby crowned as the First-Class Madam Zhen Guo. Let this be respected!”

After the Ceremonial official finished reading the imperial command, he handed the decree to Su Wenyue with a joyous face, plastered with flattery and fawning. Both the Marquis of Zhen Guo and the Madam of Zhen Guo were esteemed by the Emperor, and he could not afford to offend them: “Congratulations to the Marquis of Zhen Guo, and to the Madam of Zhen Guo. The Marquis enjoys profound Imperial favor, having uniquely won the Emperor’s heart; it is for this reason that the Emperor holds you in such high regard. A First-Class imperial edict wife, there’s no one else like the Madam of Zhen Guo in the entire Court, civil or military. I am here to offer congratulations to the Madam!”