Chapter 418: Chapter 425: Forced by the Situation
 

Yin Shi and Han Yu were both adept at using strategy, Yin Shi favored intrigue, while Han Yu preferred to win openly and honorably. Though they seemed similar, their methods were essentially different.

The marriage between the Liu Family and Yin Family, although a union and balance of interests, saw no lack of Yin Shi’s secretly manipulations. Han Yu was fully aware of this and even held ample evidence, which wouldn’t affect the alliance between the two families but, if used at the right time, could deal a significant blow to the Yin Family.

Of course, Han Yu wouldn’t do such a thing without necessity. Should Yin Shi dare to cross a line, Han Yu wouldn’t be lenient. Righteousness always overcomes evil and schemes that lurk in the shadows can’t withstand open and honest attacks. After all, how could underhanded tactics triumph over actions taken in broad daylight?

“Daughter-in-law, I see you get along well with Miss Yin, but when you associate with her, you must be careful to maintain some distance. You shouldn’t get too close. Miss Yin’s depth of character is not something you can compare with. You might end up sold and still help count the money for others,” Han Yu didn’t have a particular issue with Miss Yin herself, as she had a good reputation in everyday life. However, a woman raised by a family like the Yins undoubtedly had her own depth of schemes, more difficult to deal with than a woman like Chen Li. Naturally, Han Yu felt the need to warn his daughter-in-law.

“Are you looking down on me? Am I that foolish to help count the money after being sold, talking as if I’m an idiot!” Su Wenyue pouted, somewhat dissatisfied with Han Yu’s low opinion of her, although she was also aware that she was not on the same level as Yin Lihua.

Han Yu found it amusing and rubbed Su Wenyue’s head affectionately. His wife always put on a sulky face and acted spoiled in front of him, which he somehow found adorable, even enjoyable. Instead of agreeing with Su Wenyue, he continued to lecture, “Don’t pout so much, don’t be resentful. Listening to me is always right; don’t I know what kind of person you are? You seem smart, but you’re actually quite naive, giving your all once you care for someone. You appear shrewd, but there’s a foolishness in that shrewdness. If you meet the right person, that’s fine, but it’s the most dangerous when you come across those who harbor malice beneath the surface.”

When Han Yu said this, it wasn’t because he thought Su Wenyue was at a disadvantage with Yin Lihua. However, seeing how his wife had always been towards others, like Feng Susu and Ye Xinxin, she might have begun those friendships with certain intentions, yet later, set those purposes aside and genuinely started caring for them. It was fortunate that both turned out to be decent people, which might not have been the case with others.

Su Wenyue originally wanted to retort, since being wholehearted depended on the person, but seeing the look in Han Yu’s eyes, she refrained from arguing. After all, some things need not be clarified so openly; letting Han Yu believe as he did wasn’t harmful, and she knew clear in her heart anyway. Besides, she really should be more cautious with people like Yin Lihua to avoid falling into traps.

Even with her experience from her previous life, Su Wenyue didn’t consider herself very capable; otherwise, she wouldn’t have met the end she did previously. Status was certainly one reason for her downfall, but another undeniable reason was that she had stumbled over these intrigues and schemes, especially compared to Yin Lihua, the ultimate winner of her last life. Su Wenyue had to admit that some things were innate.

However, not being smart wasn’t the end of the world. The most crucial thing was to have a clear understanding of oneself, to play to strengths and avoid weaknesses. It’s not always the smartest person who has the last laugh, but the one who can truly know themselves.

When Han Yu saw Su Wenyue’s reaction, he thought he had convinced her and felt a sense of accomplishment, his smile deepening, “Wife, that’s the right attitude. I am your husband, and listening to me is never wrong. When you encounter those formidable women, you must act as I told you, understood?”

Su Wenyue secretly rolled her eyes. Men too could be a sort of prideful creature. She just intended to keep her wisdom hidden for once, and look how smug Han Yu became. As if he wasn’t showing off his triumph in that smile. What’s there to be so smug about, just because he was slightly smarter than her?

Though Su Wenyue internally mocked him, she obediently nodded, her demeanor meek and compliant. Her heart swelled with pride as she saw Han Yu’s increasingly satisfied smile. Hmph, she might not be very clever, and her schemes weren’t the most ruthless, but her skills in winning over a man were unmatched. Knowing this trick was the real key to a comfortable and easy life; that’s what true intelligence was, right?

It turned out to be a battle of pride between husband and wife now, but the mood was undeniably good. Han Yu caught his wife’s mischievous smile and, moved by impulse, pulled her into his embrace for a thorough ravishment, leaving Su Wenyue trembling with laughter, her clothes disheveled, cheeks flushed, and leaning weakly against Han Yu as a wave of heat surged within him.

There she was, his wife, presenting herself as ripe for the picking. Not to take advantage of that moment would be unmanly. Han Yu was unable to contain himself, indulging his desires upon Su Wenyue, who was genuinely worn out and wanted nothing more than to rest. But Han Yu was overbearing in such moments, relentless once he tasted the sweetness, heedless of Su Wenyue’s struggling pleas. The room was soon filled with boundless springtime ardor.

The next day, Han Yu personally escorted Su Wenyue up to the gate of the Yin Mansion and gave her several earnest reminders before parting with her.

The purpose of the Yin Family banquet was indeed as Su Wenyue had expected—to announce the engagement of Yin Lihua and Liu Xiu, publicizing the alliance between the Yin and Liu families. Moreover, the pace of events was quite fast; they set a wedding date immediately upon the engagement, probably due to the pressing situation at the Imperial Court.

Upon hearing the news of the engagement between the Yin Family and Liu Family, everyone offered congratulations. Regardless of their true thoughts, their faces all wore smiles of blessing, all except one person.

Because Chen Li and Liu Xiu had a ‘close’ relationship, she’s been notably enthusiastic in her public dealings lately. Everyone has given Chen Li some face because of Liu Xiu, so today, Chen Li was also among the invited guests. However, the intention of the Yin Family was uncertain, especially since the relationship between Chen Li and Liu Xiu was no secret and the Yin Family was well aware of it.

Chen Li initially felt somewhat proud to be invited to the banquet, interpreting it as a sign that her status had risen. She recalled how in the past she was never included unless using Liu Mansion’s post. Slightly smug, she thought there was merit in involving herself in public affairs, as everyone’s attitude towards her had become more reverent. But Chen Li could never have anticipated today’s banquet would unfold as it did.

Upon hearing the news of the engagement between Yin Lihua and Liu Xiu, Chen Li was stunned, questioning if she had heard wrong as everyone around her voiced their congratulations.