Rebirth of a Farming Wife

“Xiu Qi indeed sees clearly. It turns out that Wang Mang’s intentions are truly insidious. Had it not been for your reminder, we would have nearly neglected the important matters, focusing solely on the issue of the Marquis Bei’an, even risking discord and turning on each other. That indeed would have played right into Wang Mang’s scheme,” said Liu Xiu, his satisfaction with Han Yu growing. Among the many present just now, all were preoccupied with how to scheme against each other and secure their own interests, lost in trivial matters without noticing such a crucial point. Even Yin Shi, shrewd and calculating though he is, was only thinking about how to deal with Han Yu, without focusing on what truly mattered.

Han Yu does not like to speak of insubstantial things. Since Liu Xiu had realized the situation, he further said, “Now that we are aware, we should be on our guard. Let us not concern ourselves with the affairs of Chang’an for now. Instead, let us consider how to respond should the Imperial Court’s troops arrive. Wang Mang has gone to great lengths to target us, and his forces will certainly not be small.”

Chen Li felt some happiness when she saw Han Yu, although she knew that the main reason for his visit was unlikely because of her, but for his daughter-in-law. Nonetheless, his presence was his presence, and compared to Liu Xiu, Han Yu was the epitome of a ‘good man’, devoted to his wife with unwavering loyalty, and also capable. The only flaw was his lack of ambition. Despite having more power and resources at his disposal than Liu Xiu, he still chose to serve Liu Xiu loyally. But it was such a man who truly appreciated.

Since Han Yu had entered, he had been talking with Liu Xiu and Chen Li hadn’t found the opportunity to cut in, fearing she might interrupt them. Now, finally having her chance to speak, she said, “Big Brother Han is right. I think the same. My caravan arriving from Chang’an brought news that the imperial court army has already set out and is on its way, and their momentum is vast, not like the minor skirmishes before. By the looks of it, they might attack Yiyang soon without much delay. We should put more thought into dealing with the imperial court army, rather than wasting our thoughts on crooked schemes.”

Chen Li did not forget to take a few digs, and everyone in the room knew who she was targeting, a hint for Han Yu as well.

Yin Shi found the amicable interaction between Liu Xiu and Han Yu, with their past grievances seemingly dismissed, quite an eyesore. Being incessantly mocked by Chen Li only darkened his expression despite his efforts to conceal it.

“Enough, let’s not talk about these trivial matters anymore. Let’s discuss how we should deal with the imperial court’s troops. Whoever targets their own people again, don’t blame me for being impolite,” Liu Xiu warned somewhat sternly, a signal for Chen Li to restrain herself but also an indirect caution to Yin Shi. By this point, Liu Xiu had completely abandoned his prior notions. Persisting in those ideas would only lead to loss without gain and cause Han Yu to turn against him. Yin Shi clearly had other plans and might stir trouble, which could ruin Liu Xiu’s arrangements.

“If we’re not talking, then we’re not. Anyway, whoever has done what they know well themselves, hmph!” Chen Li murmured after being stopped by Liu Xiu. Her voice was low, but most people present were trained in the martial arts and heard her clearly. Liu Xiu was somewhat helpless, but after all, Chen Li was a woman, and it was normal for her to be somewhat petty.

Yin Shi, despite his anger for failing to weaken Han Yu’s influence and drive a deeper wedge between Liu Xiu and Han Yu, realized that things could no longer proceed as he envisioned. Besides, the imperial court’s army would arrive in just a few days. Having pledged allegiance to Liu Xiu and given his sister in marriage to unite with Liu Xiu, he was tethered to Liu Xiu’s fate; if Liu Xiu fell, he would be unlucky too. Thus, even though he felt unsatisfied inside, he refrained from causing further trouble, particularly after Liu Xiu’s warning.

With that, everyone discussed the matter for an entire afternoon until dusk fell, and only then did they leave the Conference Hall.

Liu Xiu, however, detained Han Yu saying, “Xiu Qi, wait a moment. I have some instructions for you.”

After speaking, Liu Xiu took several letters from a drawer and handed them to Han Yu: “Xiu Qi, take these letters.”

Han Yu saw that these letters were hastily written by Liu Xiu during the afternoon’s discussions. He initially thought they pertained to matters of war, but to his surprise, they were addressed to him, though for what purpose he was unsure. Han Yu did not open the letters but looked towards Liu Xiu, awaiting his explanation.

“These letters are to a few old friends of mine in the Capital City, with whom I still have quite good relations. They are reliable individuals, and in the letters, I have requested their assistance for you. Should you find use for them, take these letters to them, and treat the letters as you would the person. However, as you said before, with Chang’an under Wang Mang’s control, these court officials might betray us to save themselves. So even if you seek their help, you must be cautious. In a nutshell, hand these letters to Hengyi and let him act as he sees fit,” said Liu Xiu.

Liu Xiu reasoned that people respond to sincerity with sincerity, especially someone like Han Yu. Previously, his miscalculations had almost led to grave mistakes. While it is necessary to be cautious of others, one must not push those who are loyal away. He must offer a helping hand when it’s needed. In the matter of Marquis Bei’an, however, his assistance to Han Yu was quite limited, hence he finally wrote these letters to offer some help.

Han Yu was truly moved. Even though Liu Xiu had initially harbored calculations and suspicions regarding the matter of Marquis Bei’an, as a ruler, such caution was necessary. The sincerity Liu Xiu had exhibited thereafter signified the magnanimity and righteousness expected of a lord and a friend.

“I will not offer empty thanks for Uncle Wen’s kindness. I will take the letters,” Han Yu said. He was a man who never liked to express much with words, finding them too superficial, preferring to prove himself through actions instead. He solemnly accepted the letters and then took his leave, his mind firmly resolved on certain matters.

Liu Xiu was very pleased with Han Yu’s response. He disliked those who were all talk and no substance, with their fair words belying the question of how loyal or useful they actually were. Solid deeds were better than pleasing words, and Han Yu was exactly that kind of person. If it weren’t for specific reasons to be cautious, he and Han Yu would undoubtedly have made the best partners and friends, rather than maintaining mutual wariness and suspicion as at present.

Han Yu, like Liu Xiu, longed for a day when they could truly trust each other and fight side by side. Unlike Liu Xiu, he was inclined to take the initiative.

When Han Yu left Liu Mansion, it was already late. He was somewhat worried about his wife. Although she no longer seemed as worried on the surface, the reaction she had when she heard about the misfortune of Marquis Beian and his son indicated that she could not be completely at ease. It was simply her way of reassuring him. With this thought, Han Yu quickened his pace back to the Mansion, but upon reaching his doorstep, someone stopped him.