Chapter 620 - Chapter 620: Chapter Six Hundred and Twenty-Six (1/2)
Chapter 620: Chapter Six Hundred and Twenty-Six
“Master Li is being too polite,” said Su Wenyue. Although her mind was preoccupied, she maintained her composure as she rewarded the ceremonial official with a gratuity and exchanged pleasantries. She then instructed the housekeeper to see the official out with great care.
“Congratulations, Madam. You are now the noble Madam Zhen Guo, surpassing the first rank. Apart from the palace, you can practically strut about anywhere with such prestige!” Han Yu teased Su Wenyue cheerfully, attempting to lift her spirits once the official had left.
Regardless, it was still a happy occasion, and Su Wenyue couldn’t help but feel some joy. Seeing Han Yu’s antics, she burst into laughter, and their three sons quickly joined in to congratulate their mother, their faces beaming with happiness.
Han Yu and Su Wenyue, as a couple, watched their grown children with increasing contentment.
At that moment, Han Yu felt a greater sense of relief. Even if the emperor had designs on his wife, what of it? She only had eyes for him, their children were all grown up, and the emperor could merely entertain thoughts in his head. Even if he showed his feelings, he could do nothing about them – not only because of the bond between them but also because sitting on the throne meant you couldn’t do as you pleased. Every move was scrutinized, and true freedom was hard to come by.
The long-standing wars had come to an end, but the conflicts within the Imperial Court were only just beginning. The emperor needed to secure his rule; the empresses and concubines vied for favor, and the courtiers contested for power and status. A new battle had just unfolded.
Han Yu was a man of clear insight; otherwise, he couldn’t have risen to his current position. His ambitions and goals having been realized, he had no intention of involving himself in these matters any further.
In truth, he enjoyed pursuing his ambitions on the battlefield and had no desire to get embroiled in the murky and treacherous politics of the court. It wasn’t for lack of ability, he merely saw no need or desire. Moreover, he now enjoyed the emperor’s favor and a position beyond reproach, with honors too numerous to bestow further. Rather than jostling for power and slowly eroding the bond with the emperor, he preferred to be a wise man and live leisurely as the Marquis, spending more time with his wife and child.
When Han Yu handed over his military authority back to the emperor and expressed his stance, the emperor had to put on a show, whether for appearances or out of genuine trust and desire to continue utilizing Han Yu’s talents. The emperor firmly refused to accept anything but the return of military authority. Han Yu felt somewhat helpless but also reassured that, regardless, the emperor still honored their friendship. At least his allegiance had not been misplaced.
However, when he returned his military power, Han Yu could discern the fleeting change in the emperor’s emotions, despite his efforts to conceal it. This only strengthened Han Yu’s resolve. Even in his prime, he felt a slight regret and reluctance, but willingly stepping back was his way of self-preservation.
“How was it, did you relinquish the military authority, and did the emperor agree?”
Su Wenyue knew not to expect Han Yu to keep secrets from her. She was aware of what Han Yu intended to do today and had someone wait at the door for his return. On seeing Han Yu, she immediately asked him.
Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ƝονǤᴑ.ƈ0