Chapter 122: What For
Su Hengxuan first inquired about how Zhang Qing and Jiang Chunlan were to be dealt with. As Su Hengxuan was well-versed in the affairs of the Han Family, he certainly knew that Jiang Chunlan was Han Yu’s cousin and was also aware of Mrs. Yang’s attitude toward her. Satisfied with Han Yu’s handling of the situation, he nodded approvingly.
“You handled the situation well. That kind of woman needs to be taught a lesson, or she’ll never learn. I think Madam Yang should be able to understand. After all, my younger sister has suffered such a grievance this time. If it weren’t for her sake, I would not have let off that foolish woman so easily,” Su Hengxuan spoke his mind, deeming Han Yu’s actions appropriate and decided not to intervene any further. Otherwise, if it were up to him, Jiang Chunlan’s fate would have been even more miserable.
Han Yu had long been aware of his second brother-in-law’s protective streak towards his wife and knew he was speaking the truth. However, he would take care of his own wife: “Rest assured, Lady Yue is my wife, and I will naturally protect her.”
Su Hengxuan glanced at Han Yu then held his peace. As much as it displeased him, he had to accept the fact that his sister had married this man. Recalling the primary purpose of his visit, Su Hengxuan relayed the news he had learned from the government to Han Yu.
“In a few days, this news will spread. One of the Han Family brothers will have to take a stand. I’m telling you first so you can plan ahead. Whatever decision you make, I hope you will take my younger sister into consideration,” Su Hengxuan said without the intent to interfere in the Han Family’s affairs, only hoping his sister wouldn’t be wronged.
Han Yu nodded with a solemn expression. Although he had anticipated chaos at the Imperial Court, the news still came somewhat unexpectedly. In the past he had no concerns, but now he had to take his daughter-in-law into consideration more.
Seeing that Han Yu understood his point, Su Hengxuan didn’t elaborate further. It was up to Han Yu to judge the severity. Su Hengxuan knew his brother-in-law was ambitious and capable. His grandfather and father had both seen this potential in Han Yu, and knowing he would achieve great things, they had agreed to give him their daughter.
For others, such news might be a bolt from the blue, but for his ambitious brother-in-law, it might not be the case. It could be an excellent opportunity to seize the day. Times of chaos could forge a hero. Besides, if everything transpired as his sister had seen in her dream, his brother-in-law was destined for great fortune. However, with the situation at the Han Family, if Han Yu couldn’t be by his sister’s side, he felt uneasy.
“Second Brother, you’re here! Please have a seat! Xiao Xi, hurry and pour a cup of tea for my second brother,” Su Wenyue greeted Su Hengxuan cheerfully.
“Seeing that your wounds have much healed, I’m relieved. However, you should still take good care of yourself as per the doctor’s advice. Mother reminded me this morning before I went out that you shouldn’t be reckless and must recuperate as instructed by the doctor,” Su Hengxuan added.
Doctor Lin had a longstanding relationship with the Su Family. Although he had advised Han Yu on some precautions after taking Su Wenyue’s pulse, he still felt uneasy and visited the Su Family to explain her condition to Madam Su. Concerned, Madam Su had thus given these instructions, fearful that Su Wenyue might expose herself to harm unknowingly and considering bringing her daughter back to her mother’s family in a few days. By then, the doctor should be able to make a clearer diagnosis. However, Su Hengxuan didn’t know these details. Being overprotective of his sister, he simply couldn’t help worrying about her.
“You can reassure mother that I know my own body well. Brother, did you come today to discuss something with Han Yu?” Su Wenyue decided to ask directly, having noticed a difference in Han Yu’s demeanor from usual, certain that Su Hengxuan must have mentioned something.
“I received news that the Imperial Court is in unrest and military drafts and training are happening everywhere. The same is true for Xinye, but this news has not yet been leaked. In a few days, once the government issues a notice, everyone will know. The Han Family will definitely be within the scope of conscription. I informed my brother-in-law in advance so he can prepare ahead of time,” Su Hengxuan said, observing his sister’s reaction. He had hesitated about sharing the news at first, but even if he hadn’t said anything, the government would make an announcement eventually, and his sister would have to learn of it sooner or later. It was better to inform her early so she could mentally prepare and plan accordingly.
Su Wenyue wasn’t surprised to hear this; in her previous life, not long after, this news had started spreading in the village. At the time, Han Yu’s attitude toward her was one of resentment, and she didn’t care whether he enlisted or not. Therefore, she was unclear about the process and how this responsibility fell upon Han Yu. In this life, her affections for Han Yu grew stronger by the day. Naturally, she did not want him to leave her side, but she also knew he was a man with great ambitions and did not want to hinder his prospects. Hence, she was truly uncertain about what to do.
Su Hengxuan misunderstood Su Wenyue’s stance, thinking she was worried about this issue.
“Yueyue, if you don’t want Han Yu to go, just tell me. I certainly can find a way to stop him. I always thought my brother-in-law was ambitious, and if he achieved great things, you would benefit too. You wouldn’t have to live as a farmer’s wife, and we would be pained to see you continue suffering such hardships. However, Han Yu is your husband, and I respect your choice. After all, if he really does enlist, he won’t be by your side very often,” Su Hengxuan did all he could ultimately for his sister, hoping she could lead a better life in the future.
“Brother, you’ve misunderstood. I have no intention of stopping him. My Husband has his own ambitions and aspirations. If he truly wants to do something, I won’t stop him,” Su Wenyue hastily explained, knowing her brother misunderstood her. She didn’t want to be blamed for obstructing Han Yu’s future. After all, Han Yu was meant to become the Prime Minister.
After seeing off the second brother-in-law, Han Yu returned to the room, quite worried about his wife’s reaction. Objectively, this militarization, which others desperately avoided, presented him with an outstanding opportunity to change his current circumstances. He was ambitious and unwilling to spend his lifetime as a mere farmer. Now, with a gentle and virtuous wife who had captured his heart, in addition to his ambition, he wanted to bestow honor upon her rather than subject her to a life of hardship alongside him.
“Husband, what’s wrong? Why are you just staring at me without saying a word since you came in?” Su Wenyue felt awkward under Han Yu’s gaze, though she knew the reason and decided to address it first.
“Lady Yue, has second brother told you about the matter? What are your thoughts?” Han Yu asked with some trepidation. Although he knew his wife was not shallow and was a good match for him, women could be irrational when it came to such matters.