Chapter 409: Chapter 416: The Impressive Aspect
 

The only one who could have sent the letter in this manner was Feng Susu. When Su Wenyue received the letter, she saw, as expected, a seemingly casual but recognizable code imprinted on it. The two had agreed on this method of secret correspondence due to the sensitivity of their statuses and for safety reasons, ensuring that even if the letter fell into the hands of someone with ill intentions, it would not pose a threat.

It wasn’t that Han Yu and Su Wenyue were overly cautious. Given the current situation, there were too many people looking to catch them in a fault, and General An shared these concerns. After all, they weren’t on the same side, and even Feng Susu’s return to General An was conducted with a low-profile discretion, despite General An’s elation at being reunited with his wife and child.

Su Wenyue didn’t delay and immediately opened the letter. Lady An had sent the letter so urgently; it surely contained something critical, perhaps even related to what she’d been worrying about.

“How is it? What does Lady An’s letter say? Is there any warning?” What Su Wenyue thought of, Han Yu had obviously considered as well. If they could gain information from Lady An, he could make preparations in advance. Even if Lady An had no precise information, she could still provide some indirect news to aid his judgment.

Su Wenyue handed the letter directly to Han Yu. In addition to expressions of concern and pleasantries, it indeed mentioned matters related to the Imperial Court and subtly hinted at the Court’s intent and General An’s thoughts, even advising Han Yu and his wife to start making preparations.

As for the struggle between the Imperial Court and the Liu Xiu brothers, even though General An had no intention of getting involved, being an old general in the Court meant he had easy access to certain news and rumors—all of which seemed to disfavor Liu Xiu, whom Han Yu now followed. Out of gratitude for Su Wenyue saving his wife and child and his appreciation for the young man Han Yu, General An risked warning him. He didn’t quite understand why Han Yu, with his capabilities, would still choose to serve Liu Xiu. Even if Han Yu didn’t want to establish his power independently, he could still have aligned with other influential figures. Liu Xiu surely wasn’t the best choice. Nevertheless, having made his decision, Han Yu refused to look back, and all General An could do was offer his warnings.

“Husband, it seems the Court eventually couldn’t restrain itself and wants to take action. What should we do? Our forces here aren’t enough to contend with the Court,” Su Wenyue said, her face filled with concern. Although she knew that in her previous life, Liu Xiu eventually claimed the throne and Han Yu rose to a status second only to the emperor, actually living through it wasn’t so easy. She also worried that her rebirth could alter many things. In her previous life, Han Yu was an insignificant figure at this point, and none of these matters required their concern.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make the arrangements. Stay well at home, and I’ll handle these matters. I also need to visit Liu Mansion to discuss some issues with Brother Liu,” Han Yu reassured his wife before hurrying out the door. Although the impending crisis was a threat, he saw it as more than that. If managed well, it could be an excellent opportunity. Liu Xiu’s inability to fully trust him was not a good thing, and for a military strategist, it was a taboo. A lack of complete trust between a commander and his subordinate could give enemies and rivals an opportunity to exploit.

Seeing that Han Yu had rushed off, Su Wenyue also wanted to do something to help, but she was helpless when it came to matters outside the home. Even having lived an extra lifetime, she was still just an ordinary woman without the ambition and desire of a person like Chen Li. Although she couldn’t take part in Han Yu’s external affairs, there was something she could do. Her experience in her previous life taught her the importance of food, the foundation and reliance for everything. Without food, all else was meaningless.

The current food shortage was well recognized, but few could imagine the extent to which food would be valued in the future. At the height of scarcity, food would be even more precious than gold.

Wars and military disasters had occurred throughout the ages, but food had never been as treasured as it would become. This was due to a treacherous minister with empty determination and insufficient ability who could not face reality, despite claiming to be a savior, seizing the Court. The confluence of military and human disasters made life unbearable for commoners, who suffered greatly.

Just then, Xiao Xi came from the Zhuangzi to report to Su Wenyue, who then gave her instructions. With the situation in Yiyang Prefecture changing, the Zhuangzi might also be implicated. She couldn’t put all her eggs in one basket, and she only trusted Xiao Xi to handle such a sensitive and critical task. Fortunately, Xiao Xi had become more capable and could carry out her orders effectively.

When Xiao Xi heard Su Wenyue’s instructions, she knew the situation was serious and couldn’t help but worry: “Madam, is there any change with the master’s situation? I’ve heard that the Imperial Court is sending an army to suppress the rebels. Once a large army approaches, I fear the situation will be dire. Madam, why don’t you take the Young Master and Miss to avoid the conflict? It would allow the master peace of mind to focus on his affairs outside. I will take good care of you and the children.”

Su Wenyue knew Xiao Xi was concerned about her. The servant girl had always been loyal, putting her master’s interests first in both her previous and current lives. Nevertheless, Su Wenyue declined, “There’s no need. Husband and I are one, and we cannot be separated. Besides, the danger is not nearly as close as you think. My husband will take care of the children and me. If the need arises, I’ll send someone to notify you.”

Knowing her master’s personality, Xiao Xi realized that Su Wenyue’s decision was final. Persuasion would be futile, so she went to carry out the tasks given to her. However, she also planned an escape route, just in case. If her master did send someone to notify her, she wouldn’t be caught unprepared.

Both Han Yu and Su Wenyue were busily preparing for the upcoming events, each engrossed in their tasks.

Chen Li left Liu Mansion with a face full of gloom and fury. She had to restrain herself in front of Liu Xiu, but now she could no longer hold back. Liu Xiu, that ungrateful hypocrite, had dared to threaten her. Did he think he could make her compromise like this? Never!

Chen Li was not one to capitulate to reality. Even if she seemed to compromise on the surface, she would secretly do everything in her power to achieve her goals. Liu Xiu had the support of the Su Family, which was why he could afford to treat her as disposable. If she wanted Liu Xiu to fully lean towards her, she needed to make him depend on her.

Chen Li considered the historical events, although many things had changed. Still, the major events remained unchanged. Weren’t there still lessons to be learned from history? It had to be said that Chen Li was astutely cunning, managing to reach the same conclusion as Su Wenyue.