Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 621: Chapter Six Hundred and Twenty-Seven
 

“Madam, Noble Consort Li from the palace has sent her confidant to see you,” said the servant. “She wishes for you to visit the palace when you have the time, wanting to catch up on old times.”

“Noble Consort Li?” Su Wenyue raised an eyebrow. The chief position in the harem had not yet been decided, and Mrs. Guo, Yin Lihua, and Chen Li had all been conferred the title of Consort. It was a sensitive time, and the invitation from Noble Consort Li was unlikely to be as simple as reminiscing about old times—even if they had shared a brief acquaintance in the past, it wasn’t worth getting involved in these affairs.

However, since the invitation had been extended, it would not be good to refuse bluntly, as that would surely offend someone. Su Wenyue had not yet thought of a proper way to handle the situation when she received new word that Yin Lihua had also sent for her, adding to her headache.

As for Yin Lihua, Su Wenyue also had mixed feelings. In her previous life, Yin Lihua had willingly ceded the title of Empress due to Liu Xiu’s favor, seizing the most advantageous position. In this life, so much had changed, and Consort Yin was far from as favored as she had been back then, seemingly lacking the confidence she once had, which was probably why she had joined the competition for the position of the chief consort from the start.

“Husband, do you think they both want to summon me to the palace because of the matter of the chief consort’s position?” Su Wenyue complained of her headache and sought Han Yu’s opinion. She figured that was probably the reason, but the main thing was to get Han Yu to think of a strategy for her. In this respect, Su Wenyue felt that even with all her wits, she could not compare to Han Yu.

Han Yu felt heartache seeing his daughter-in-law so troubled. The matter at hand was likely not so simple with both Noble Consort Li and Consort Yin seeking her out simultaneously—not to mention the Emperor’s probe that morning. He had just received some information from a spy within the palace.

“Do you still remember the colorful exquisite lamp we won at the Lantern Festival, the one that Sikong Ling later claimed and offered to the Emperor? There’s reliable news that there’s a treasure map hidden inside that palace lamp. Since we once had that colorful exquisite lamp in our hands, the Emperor must also be aware of the news. He has probed me today as well. Noble Consort Li and Consort Yin probably want to pry information from you—if they can obtain anything useful, it will help them gain favor with the Emperor and bring them closer to that position.”

“So that’s why they’re all inviting me to the palace at this time,” Su Wenyue finally understood. Now she was aware of the motives of Chen Li and Yin Lihua, but that only added to her worries. Even if she were to decline tactfully, the two consorts in the harem would not give up so easily.

At this moment, Han Yu spoke up, unable to bear seeing his daughter-in-law frown with worry: “Why worry about this? I have already told the Emperor everything I know about the colorful exquisite lamp. Regarding those consorts, if you do not wish to meet them, just reject them directly. There is no need to be concerned about anything. You are now the esteemed Madam Zhen Guo, not needing to make compromises. With me by your side, there’s nothing to fear. Even if the position of the Empress is decided, she would still have to show you due respect.”

Upon hearing this, a light bulb went off for Su Wenyue, her eyes sparkling: “You are right, Husband. With you supporting me, what do I have to fear? To act timidly would only bring shame to the name of Madam Zhen Guo. Besides, you are not even interested in Imperial Court’s affairs anymore, and I certainly do not wish to get involved in the problems of the palace.”

Han Yu smiled and nodded in approval. Although his daughter-in-law had her foolish moments, she was sharp when it mattered and understood his meaning without needing further explanation.

“Speaking of the colorful exquisite lamp, what about the treasure map?”

The conversation shifted back to the treasure map; Su Wenyue and Han Yu were both clear about the past events, especially since the Emperor had already questioned Han Yu about it.

Yet Han Yu took Su Wenyue’s hand: “Whether the treasure map is real or fake, it has nothing to do with us, right? Since I’ve decided not to get involved, there’s no need to pay any attention to that matter.”

Su Wenyue nodded, squeezing Han Yu’s hand back, instantly feeling reassured. The atmosphere warmed up in an instant, but then Han Yu suddenly furrowed his brow.

“Husband, what’s wrong? Is your leg causing you trouble again?” Su Wenyue quickly asked, seeing Han Yu in such a state, she promptly helped Han Yu lie down on the bed. Although there was no panic—his leg pain had acted up more than once or twice, and she could handle it calmly—she still felt distressed for Han Yu and immediately ordered the servants to summon the Imperial Doctor.

“Does it hurt a lot? Your leg condition is worsening. The Imperial Doctor’s visits only provide some pain relief and don’t seem to have much actual effect. It is merely treating the symptoms, not the cause. In my opinion, we should find Divine Doctor Mu as soon as possible. With his extraordinary medical skills, perhaps he could come up with a way to cure your leg pain, so you no longer have to endure such agony.” Su Wenyue had long harbored this thought and had even dispatched people to search for Divine Doctor Mu. However, with Doctor Mu’s unpredictable whereabouts, there had been no news so far, causing Su Wenyue’s frown to deepen.

“Silly little girl, don’t worry. I have already contacted Divine Doctor Mu, and he arrived in the Capital City yesterday. I just haven’t had the chance to tell you.”

“Really? That’s great! We don’t need to summon the Imperial Doctor now. With Divine Doctor Mu here, everything will be more effective.” Su Wenyue said joyfully, ready to take action immediately but Han Yu stopped her.

“Wait, let the Imperial Doctor come…”

Su Wenyue turned to look at Han Yu, who was in such urgent need that she hadn’t thought about anything else. She instantly understood Han Yu’s intention: “You mean…”

“You’re smart, Daughter-in-law. With my leg pain flaring up, suffering so much that even walking is hard, I can barely look after myself, let alone manage court affairs. I am truly at a loss for strength and must ask the Emperor to appoint another capable person. As for you, Daughter-in-law, you should stay in the mansion to take care of me.”

Han Yu said with a smile, having already intended to retire; this situation presented a good opportunity. Not only would it fulfill his wish, but it would also not embarrass the Emperor. Moreover, with the Emperor likely still harboring suspicions regarding the colorful exquisite lamp incident, it was imperative not to delay any longer, lest they become entangled in it.

“You’re right, Husband. Given your severe condition, one Imperial Doctor will not be enough. We should summon several Imperial Doctors to discuss if there’s any treatment.” Su Wenyue went along with Han Yu’s suggestion and immediately made arrangements. She wasn’t the least bit concerned about whether Han Yu’s leg condition was as serious as he claimed—since Han Yu had spoken, it must be well-planned.

Before long, several Imperial Doctors were hastily summoned by the Marquis of Zhen Guo’s Mansion. Upon seeing the teary-eyed and red-eyed Madam Zhen Guo by the window and the Marquis of Zhen Guo lying pallid, weak, and sweating on the bed, any minor complaints they harbored vanished. They took Han Yu’s condition seriously and began their examination.