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“Oh, really? Wonder what they’re all busy with?” Su Wenyue asked casually.

Madame Liu Zhao had no real reason to be suspicious, but in truth, she didn’t know either. Han Yu was a man of meticulous thoughts. Since he had decided to keep Su Wenyue in the dark, he naturally assumed that Su Wenyue would likewise probe Madame Liu Zhao for information, so he had already instructed his subordinates accordingly. Besides, the matter naturally required strict confidentiality, and even to the few trusted subordinates, Han Yu revealed only a part to prevent any leaks.

“Who knows? They won’t say when asked, and they even say that it’s not for us women to handle. Their tone is truly infuriating.” Madame Liu Zhao couldn’t help but complain when speaking of this.

Su Wenyue felt somewhat disappointed to hear Madame Liu Zhao speak this way. If even Madame Liu Zhao was unaware, it meant others were likely just as clueless. She had hoped that Liu Cong, being a straightforward man, would not be able to keep a secret, which is why she had specifically sought out Madame Liu Zhao to pry for information.

“Our family’s Han Yu is just the same, tells me nothing. He says it’s so I won’t worry, but really, if I know nothing, that’s when I’ll be most uneasy.”

Madame Zhao felt that Su Wenyue made sense, “Indeed, I will ask again later.”

Su Wenyue chatted with Madame Liu Zhao about other matters, just everyday household gossip. After a while, she felt her energy waning and grew sleepy. Madame Liu Zhao, perceptive as ever, took her leave. Su Wenyue made a show of asking her to stay longer, but eventually let Aunt Li see her out diligently, making sure to send her off with the items prepared for the Liu Family.

Madame Liu Zhao knew Su Wenyue’s personality, so she didn’t decline much and happily accepted the items, feeling very delighted. With these, life at home would be more comfortable.

When Liu Cong returned home that evening, he saw a lavish dinner spread: fragrant steaming white rice, Roasted Chicken, braised pork, and several dishes he hadn’t seen before, along with the fashionable green vegetables. In these times, even green vegetables were very expensive, and such a feast had once been an occasional treat, but was now a luxury. However, household affairs were always managed by Madame Zhao. Liu Cong would just bring home his army provisions each month and leave the miscellaneous household matters for Madame Zhao to arrange. Liu Cong knew Madame Zhao was not one for extravagance. Seeing the sumptuous meal on the table, he was simply astonished.

“What’s the occasion, dear? Why is tonight’s meal so extravagant?” Liu Cong, lured by the aroma, couldn’t resist grabbing a piece of braised pork and popping it into his mouth. This earned him a good scolding from Madame Zhao, to which he simply responded with a goofy smile.

“It’s so tasty. Haven’t had such delicious food for a long time, it’s damn tempting,” said Liu Cong, a blunt fellow who couldn’t help but swear when excited.

“What are you saying? Can’t you change your tone a bit? You sound just like a Bandit Leader. Look at how cultured Lord Han is; why can’t you learn something from him? Go wash your hands now, and then come eat,” scolded Madame Zhao with a laugh, affection in her eyes as she looked at Liu Cong’s joyful expression, her heart filled with happiness.

“Your man is just like this and won’t change in this lifetime. Lord Han is an educated man; I am but a simple fellow.”

“Look at you!”

“Wife, you haven’t answered me. What’s the occasion today that has us dining so sumptuously?”

“It’s no special day. I visited the Han Family today, and these are gifts from Madam Han.”

“How could we accept this? The world isn’t what it used to be. Currency isn’t worth much, and everything is ridiculously expensive. It’s not right to let Madam Han spend so much. Daughter-in-law, don’t take anything from Madam Han again. Every family has its own difficulties,” Liu Cong disagreed upon learning that the feast had come from the Han Family.

“I am fully aware of that, which is why I initially refused to accept these gifts from Madam Han. However, she said it was at Lord Han’s behest. He said that subordinates like you have loyally followed Lord Han, and he couldn’t bear to have your families living in hardship. Not only our family, but everyone who follows the Master has received a share,” Madame Zhao had been expecting this response from Liu Cong, and had her arguments ready. She wouldn’t accept anything she really shouldn’t, being a sensible person.

Liu Cong felt moved when he heard Madame Zhao’s words. Following Lord Han was the best decision he had ever made. Although there had been plenty of hardships and dangers, the Master genuinely treated them like brothers, keeping them close to his heart, and there was nothing regrettable.

“The Master is always good to us, and he’s so considerate. We fight hard in the military camp, risking our lives, not only for a future but also to provide a better life for our families. Since that’s the case, accept whatever gifts Madam Han offers in the future. After all, my life belongs to the Master, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go through fire and water for him,” said Liu Cong, a man of great loyalty, speaking earnestly.

Madame Zhao felt a bit displeased hearing this, thinking, what does it mean ‘his life belongs to the Master’? Where does that leave her and their child? But after contemplating, she let it go, for she knew her husband’s temperament well after all these years. It was pointless and unprofitable to get upset over such a matter.

“I know you are a man of integrity and are grateful for Lord Han’s recognition and kindness. I won’t persuade you otherwise, but when you’re out there risking your life, please think of me and our child. Otherwise, what would happen to us if you weren’t around?” Madame Zhao said, her eyes welling up with emotion.

Liu Cong feared this the most. “Please don’t be like that, dear. I understand. I’ll be more careful and try to avoid danger from now on,” he reassured her.

“You better remember your words and don’t just rush headlong into danger without thought.”

“Yes! Yes!” Liu Cong agreed, and seeing that Madame Zhao seemed intent on continuing, he quickly changed the subject.

“Wife, you haven’t been to the Han Family for some time now, have you? What brought you there today? Did Madam Han have any errands for you?”

“There wasn’t much. Madam Han was just feeling bored and sent someone to invite me over for a chat. Lord Han has been busy these days and seldom at home. Madam Han is quite worried about him. Wife, do you know what Lord Han has been busy with lately?” asked Madame Zhao, recalling Su Wenyue’s earlier question.

“Why would you women worry about such things? I told you not to meddle in them. Even if I told you what’s happening at the military camp, you wouldn’t understand,” he replied.

“I’m just asking. What’s with that attitude? It’s not like Madam Han wants to know about Lord Han’s whereabouts and is trying to inquire through me indirectly – not that I’d notice it,” retorted Madame Zhao. She had initially not realized it, but after Madam Han asked a few more times, she understood.

“Then it’s all the more reason not to speak of it. Lord Han expressly instructed us not to inform the Madams. A woman’s words are not tightly guarded, and secrets can be easily revealed,” said Liu Cong, now even more admiring of the Master for foreseeing that wives would probe their husbands for information.

Madame Zhao hadn’t been suspicious, but Liu Cong’s comments made her suddenly apprehensive. Her heart skipped a beat, contemplating whether Lord Han had become impatient with solitude and taken a concubine.