Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 620: Chapter Six Hundred and Twenty-Six
 

“Master Li is being too polite,” said Su Wenyue. Although her mind was preoccupied, she maintained her composure as she rewarded the ceremonial official with a gratuity and exchanged pleasantries. She then instructed the housekeeper to see the official out with great care.

“Congratulations, Madam. You are now the noble Madam Zhen Guo, surpassing the first rank. Apart from the palace, you can practically strut about anywhere with such prestige!” Han Yu teased Su Wenyue cheerfully, attempting to lift her spirits once the official had left.

Regardless, it was still a happy occasion, and Su Wenyue couldn’t help but feel some joy. Seeing Han Yu’s antics, she burst into laughter, and their three sons quickly joined in to congratulate their mother, their faces beaming with happiness.

Han Yu and Su Wenyue, as a couple, watched their grown children with increasing contentment.

At that moment, Han Yu felt a greater sense of relief. Even if the emperor had designs on his wife, what of it? She only had eyes for him, their children were all grown up, and the emperor could merely entertain thoughts in his head. Even if he showed his feelings, he could do nothing about them – not only because of the bond between them but also because sitting on the throne meant you couldn’t do as you pleased. Every move was scrutinized, and true freedom was hard to come by.

The long-standing wars had come to an end, but the conflicts within the Imperial Court were only just beginning. The emperor needed to secure his rule; the empresses and concubines vied for favor, and the courtiers contested for power and status. A new battle had just unfolded.

Han Yu was a man of clear insight; otherwise, he couldn’t have risen to his current position. His ambitions and goals having been realized, he had no intention of involving himself in these matters any further.

In truth, he enjoyed pursuing his ambitions on the battlefield and had no desire to get embroiled in the murky and treacherous politics of the court. It wasn’t for lack of ability, he merely saw no need or desire. Moreover, he now enjoyed the emperor’s favor and a position beyond reproach, with honors too numerous to bestow further. Rather than jostling for power and slowly eroding the bond with the emperor, he preferred to be a wise man and live leisurely as the Marquis, spending more time with his wife and child.

When Han Yu handed over his military authority back to the emperor and expressed his stance, the emperor had to put on a show, whether for appearances or out of genuine trust and desire to continue utilizing Han Yu’s talents. The emperor firmly refused to accept anything but the return of military authority. Han Yu felt somewhat helpless but also reassured that, regardless, the emperor still honored their friendship. At least his allegiance had not been misplaced.

However, when he returned his military power, Han Yu could discern the fleeting change in the emperor’s emotions, despite his efforts to conceal it. This only strengthened Han Yu’s resolve. Even in his prime, he felt a slight regret and reluctance, but willingly stepping back was his way of self-preservation.

“How was it, did you relinquish the military authority, and did the emperor agree?”

Su Wenyue knew not to expect Han Yu to keep secrets from her. She was aware of what Han Yu intended to do today and had someone wait at the door for his return. On seeing Han Yu, she immediately asked him.

“It’s for the best. You used to be so busy with campaigns here and there that you had no time to be with the children. Now it’s perfect; we can live our leisurely lives without meddling in court affairs. With your past bond with the Emperor, no one would dare look down on us. You promised to accompany me to many places.”

Su Wenyue spoke with a smile, comforting Han Yu while recognizing his feelings. She truly believed this was for the best. It had been years since Han Yu had taken the time to accompany her, and now their children were so grown.

“The Emperor took back the military authority but did not agree to grant me leisure,” replied Han Yu with warmth, content to fulfill his wife’s wishes, “He insists that I am still young and strong, an ideal time to serve the country. Moreover, with a new dynasty established and much work to be done, talents like me are essential. He refuses to allow it.”

“Why must it be this way? He has kept you for himself for so many years; it’s time he returned you to me. I’ve already thought of places for us to visit together, and you’ve promised. You can’t break your word, or I’ll go with the children myself!” Su Wenyue said with a pout, her voice tinged with playful defiance but genuine concern in her heart.

Having experienced the events of her previous life, she understood all too well the dangers of becoming too powerful and feared the same fate for Han Yu. Even if there was only a slight chance of danger, it wasn’t a risk she was willing to take.

Seeing his wife’s cute little face, Han Yu chuckled, “You’re getting bolder by the day, thinking of leaving me and going off on your own. If you dare, I’ll chain you to my hand and bind you to my side day and night! Relax, I will fulfill my promises to you. I have my ways of persuading the Emperor. Can you wait for me just a little longer?”

Han Yu then tenderly pinched his wife’s slim chin, planning to nourish her until she was plump and healthy, feeling that she had grown too lean over the years of his campaigns.

With Han Yu’s firm reassurance, Su Wenyue nodded contentedly, “We’ll settle on that then!”

Thinking of her husband’s injuries that hadn’t yet healed, she added, “You haven’t fully recovered from your wounds. Go lie down in the upper room and heal properly. What will we do if you develop a lasting ailment? Don’t blame me if I complain then.”

With that said, Su Wenyue led Han Yu inside, her heart heavy with worry. Achieving his current status had come at a great cost. All those campaigns had left their mark, and although Han Yu was robust, particularly during the rainy season, his old injuries would flare up, causing him excruciating pain, a sight that pained Su Wenyue. His health became an even greater concern for her.

“All right, I’ll listen to you, housekeeper,” Han Yu replied without complaint, clearly indulging Su Wenyue as he followed her instructions to head inside.

“Complaining about my nagging? You’re such a big man yet you’re becoming more like a child. You used to remind me to look after my health, but look at how careless you are, especially now in early spring when there’s so much rain. You’ll be the one in pain when your leg ailment flares up.”

Su Wenyue said this irritably; he thought she was nagging, but she was right. The weather had been clear for only a short while before it started raining again, a ceaseless drizzle clouding the skies and casting a gloomy pallor. A sense of restlessness overcame her, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to happen.