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“Master, why would you do this?” the secret guard was somewhat perplexed. Since the master had his eyes on that woman, he shouldn’t have revealed this information to Han Yu. If Han Yu had been ambushed, wouldn’t that be better? By removing the obstacle that was Han Yu, the master could have taken the beauty for himself. However, considering the master’s status, it would be impossible for that woman to become the legal wife, but bringing her over as a concubine or a secondary spouse should pose no problem.”

Sikong Ling was initially hesitant, but the secret guard’s question, on the contrary, firmed up his resolve. Indeed, he had some feelings for Su Wenyue but had harbored no ill intentions. Perhaps he couldn’t bear to disrupt her happiness, and deep down, for some unknown reason, he always felt a sense of guilt and pity towards her, unwilling to harm her and equally not wanting to see her harmed by others. Besides, a woman so proud and confident would not be willing to demean herself by becoming a concubine, sharing a husband with other women.

“Proceed as I have instructed, pass all of the information and intelligence to Han Yu,” declared Sikong Ling with finality, showing no signs of second thoughts. But this was all he could do; if Han Yu still fell victim to an ambush with this information, then such a man was unworthy of Lady Yue. At that time, even if Lady Yue was heartbroken, it would be Han Yu’s incompetence to blame. Naturally, he would take good care of Lady Yue and wouldn’t let her go again.

The secret guard didn’t understand why Sikong Yu would act this way, but he would, of course, follow his master’s orders.

“Grandma Chen, Husband said he would be back in two days. He should return today; have someone go greet him at the entrance. As soon as Husband is back, come and inform me immediately,” Su Wenyue said, her worry growing as the sky outside darkened and Han Yu had yet to return, making her restless.

In recent days, as her stomach had been growing larger, Han Yu, concerned for her well-being, made it a point to return home each day to accompany her. Su Wenyue had grown accustomed to Han Yu’s presence, and now that he had left on business, having promised to return in two days, the continued absence was cause for concern. She feared he might have met with danger outside.

“Madam need not worry; I have already sent servant girls to the main gate to welcome him. As soon as the Master returns, they will immediately come in to report,” reassured the servant.

As the evening wore on and the outside grew pitch-black, Han Yu had still not returned, intensifying Su Wenyue’s anxiety, diminishing even her interest in eating.

“Madam, it looks like the Master won’t be returning today. Why don’t you rest first?” Aunt Li suggested, seeing that Su Wenyue continued to wait.

Knowing it was time to rest, especially for the sake of the child in her womb, Su Wenyue couldn’t help but worry: “Grandma, do you think Husband could be in trouble? I have this unsettling feeling in my heart.”

“Not at all, Master has such ability and he is accompanied by so many soldiers. Nothing will go amiss. Being delayed by a day or two while on duty is normal. If Madam cannot rest easy, then tomorrow morning, send someone to inquire at the military camp. But don’t let wild guesses disturb your peace of mind.”

Convinced by Aunt Li’s rationale, Su Wenyue consented to be served to rest by the servants, resolved to send someone for news the next morning or else she wouldn’t be at ease.

While Su Wenyue was worried, Han Yu and his entourage returned to the camp the next morning in quite a sorry state. The mission they had embarked on was one nobody wanted, for it was too dangerous. Their swift and whole return caught many by surprise, and news of their arrival spread quickly.

“Look, Lieutenant Han has returned. Quite the feat indeed; those unruly commoners are notoriously aggressive and desperate. I thought Lieutenant Han might return without an arm or a leg this time, but here he is, having resolved the matter so quickly. No wonder the Master values him so.”

No sooner had they arrived at the camp than they were greeted by a sardonic voice. It belonged to Li Bonian, who, along with a few of his cronies, either came to gloat or to confirm that Han Yu and his men had returned unscathed.

Li Bonian and Han Yu, both Deputy Lieutenants of Seventh Rank, were locked in competition and mutual disdain. Ever since Han Yu had risen to the rank of Deputy Lieutenant, he had been on Li Bonian’s bad side. This perilous assignment was closely linked to Li Bonian.

“Li, contain your insolence. Our Master has genuine ability; that is why he holds this position, unlike some worthless straw bags, good for nothing but backstabbing in the shadows. What else are they capable of?!” Liu Cong, quick-tempered by nature, had been with Han Yu since his early days in the camp and was utterly devoted to him. Having suffered hardships on this mission, he couldn’t restrain himself from hitting back at Li Bonian’s mockery.

“Who are you calling a straw bag? You dim-witted bear, Liu Cong, someone casually bought you off, and you willingly let yourself be used as a pawn. How foolish! What genuine ability? Someone here only has the ability to kiss up and flatter their way to their current position, and you think you’re something special!” Li Bonian’s loyalist taunted back at Liu Cong, the insinuation clear towards Han Yu.

It wasn’t only Liu Cong who was infuriated by Li Bonian’s arrogance; the other subordinates were eager to defend their position but were stopped by Han Yu.

Han Yu was not admitting weakness. The time just wasn’t right to contend with Li Bonian. Although they were both of the same rank, Li Bonian had been entrenched in this domain for many years, had a deep foundation, and also had the backing of Lord of Hundred Households above him. It was unwise to confront him head-on.

Han Yu’s subordinates held him in high esteem. With his command issued, even though they begrudged it, they obeyed, only to vent their frustrations as soon as they returned to the tent.

“Master, why did you hold us back? That Li is such a smug villain. It angers me just to see his face; I’d love to beat him senseless. Such a shameless person, not only plotting against you behind your back but having the audacity to show up in front of us. Solely relying on that slim familial connection with Master Li of Hundred Households, a despicable cur!”

“Enough, there’s no need for anger. Li Bonian has been here for many years, deeply entrenched, with someone protecting him from above. If we rashly clash with him, we’ll only end up worse off. Better to swallow the temporary indignity and lie low, awaiting the opportunity. I’ll find the right moment for us to have our revenge,” Han Yu reassured himself and his loyal men, confident that someday he would trample those people beneath his feet.

“We follow Master’s orders!” they all understood this and trusted in Han Yu. Master Han’s word had always been his bond, never deceiving them, and that unwavering reliability was one of the reasons they were willing to follow him to the death.

Feng Han, having replaced Zhao Changping, had been cautioned by his former superior not to make things difficult for Han Yu. Many things were beyond his control, but he was glad to see Han Yu and his men return safe and sound, granting them a day off to recuperate.