Chapter 366: Chapter 373: Rising in Rebellion
 

Su Wenyue lay down disheartened, her heart restless no matter how hard she tried. She worried about Han Yu’s safety and feared he might be angered over Sikong Ling’s matter. Han Yu had left in such a hurry that many things had not been clarified. This left Su Wenyue feeling unsettled, and she couldn’t sleep as she waited for Han Yu’s return. However, she was too tired to stay awake and eventually fell asleep. By the time she woke up, it was dawn, and habitually looking to her side, she found Han Yu wasn’t there—the bed beside her also felt cold.

Could it be that Han Yu hadn’t come back all night?

As Su Wenyue pondered this, she immediately got confirmation from Aunt Li. Thieves had broken into the mansion last night, and Han Yu had chased them away before he had time to return to his room. Then someone had called him away for reasons unknown, and he hadn’t been back since.

“Madam, rest assured, the master is extremely capable and will certainly be safe,” Aunt Li tried to comfort Su Wenyue, who looked pale, thinking it was out of worry for Han Yu.

Su Wenyue nodded without saying much and asked Aunt Li to instruct the nanny to bring the children to her. It had been just one year, and the three little ones had grown quite a bit, chubby and fair-skinned. Seeing the three children stabilised Su Wenyue’s heart a bit. Whatever happened, this life was still different. At least she had three well-behaved, obedient children.

Brother Xing had been clever since he was small. Perhaps sensing his mother’s low spirits, he stretched his arms out, asking to be held.

Moved by softness, Su Wenyue played with the three little ones. The time didn’t seem so hard to endure, yet she still waited for Han Yu’s return. Since she didn’t know where he was or what he was doing, she feared that inquiring hastily might ruin his affairs. All she could do was to have a servant wait at the concierge and report back as soon as there was news.

Su Wenyue waited like this all day long, from morning to afternoon, from afternoon to evening, hoping Han Yu would return. But by nightfall, with no sign of Han Yu and no messages sent, she couldn’t help but overthink. Maybe Han Yu didn’t wish to deal with her because of Sikong Ling’s issue. Otherwise, no matter how busy he was previously, he would always send word back to at least ease her worries.

The three little ones had played ‘enthusiastically’ today. After feeding, they fell fast asleep. After checking on them thoroughly, Su Wenyue let the nanny take the children back to their room to sleep.

Without the children’s chatter around her, Su Wenyue’s mind wandered with worry as she continued to hope for Han Yu’s return, but even by midnight, she saw no one.

At this time, Han Yu was indeed incredibly busy with no time to think about household affairs. Although he didn’t mean to give his daughter-in-law any trouble over Sikong Ling’s matter, deep down, he still minded it somewhat. Having a legitimate reason and cause, he thought it best to spend this time apart. Perhaps this interval would lessen his unease. However, worried that his wife might be concerned, he took time to send someone back with news to reassure her.

“Madam, you’ve been unable to eat or sleep well these past two days. If this continues, you’ll eventually wear yourself down. Perhaps the master has just been too busy to return. He’d be heartbroken to know of your distress when he comes back,” Aunt Li, noting Su Wenyue’s vigil and her odd behavior over the past days, sensed something was off between the couple. Since the madam wouldn’t speak of it, her servant could only try her best to serve and protect discreetly.

“I’m worried about his safety,” Su Wenyue said hesitantly, keeping some matters to herself, buried in her heart.

“The master has the protection of destiny and will be alright, Madam. Why don’t you sleep first? I will watch for him and wake you if he returns. Even if not for the master, you must stay well for the young masters and miss; you can’t let your health suffer,” Aunt Li urged persistently, genuinely concerned, until finally a message from Han Yu’s bodyguard arrived.

“Madam, the master has matters to attend to and cannot come home. He instructs you to take good care of yourself and the household, and not worry about him,” relayed the guard.

Barely holding on to her patience through her concern, Su Wenyue felt much relieved to hear Han Yu was safe—it mattered most that he was unharmed. As for everything else, there would be a way to solve it. With the time passed, she had come to an understanding: worrying about what had already happened was useless; one can only face it head-on. Moreover, Han Yu remembered to send someone to report his safety, which meant he was keeping her in his thoughts.

“What is my husband busy with? Has something happened?” Su Wenyue asked immediately afterward.

The bodyguard sent by Han Yu, however, was unwilling to divulge any details: “Please forgive me, Madame, but the matters the master is currently dealing with are quite confidential and crucial. Without his permission, I dare not disclose anything.”

Seeing the bodyguard’s attitude, Aunt Li grew a bit angry, especially since the madam had been worried sick, not eating or sleeping well for his sake. Yet, this bodyguard was still withholding information—commendable in other cases but not when it concerned the madam, who shouldn’t be treated like an outsider. Her face set sternly, she said, “When the madam asks you a question, you should answer properly. Surely, the master wouldn’t reprimand you. You show a complete lack of understanding as a bodyguard.”

Despite Aunt Li’s admonition, the bodyguard remained unchanged, “It is my duty, please forgive me, Madam.”

Since Su Wenyue had no intention of blaming the bodyguard, who was merely fulfilling his duty, and she even admired his sincerity, she waved her hand, signaling him to return and report back.

Having learned of Han Yu’s safety, Su Wenyue was finally able to sleep well. The next day, just after she finished dressing, and before she could even have breakfast, Ye Xinxin came to visit. That was when Su Wenyue found out about the rebel uprising in the nearby prefecture. A rebellion had broken out, under the guise of ‘supporting the loyal and purifying the emperor’s side.’ But the news had only spread that morning.

“Sister Yue, you have no idea. The whole of Guilin City is in chaos because of the rebellion, and even our Yiyang Prefecture is deeply affected. Even my husband, who usually keeps to himself, is all caught up. Imagine how much more so your husband must be, so busy these past days he can’t find time to come home. He specifically asked me to come and keep you company, fearing you might worry after hearing the news.”

Hearing this from Ye Xinxin, Su Wenyue felt somewhat conflicted. She was learning about Han Yu’s whereabouts from someone else; evidently, the information wasn’t that classified. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn’t have bothered her, but it was different now given the sensitivity of the situation.

Yet no matter what she thought internally, Su Wenyue wouldn’t let it show outwardly. Smiling, she said, “Don’t worry, I’m fine. With the Imperial Court in such disorder, rebellions aren’t without reason. From what I hear, it doesn’t surprise me. Besides, my husband sent someone last night to reassure me of his safety, and knowing he is fine puts me at ease.”