Chapter 593 - Chapter 593: Chapter 599: Absolutely Not Allowed (2/2)

Han Yu spotted his daughter-in-law on the land behind the mansion, with Xiao Xi in tow, gesticulating at the ground as if planning something with great focus, oblivious even to his presence. Her concentration was mesmerizing.

After a moment, Han Yu snapped out of it and walked towards Su Wenyue, feeling a sense of calm. His daughter-in-law looked alright, unfazed by that crazy woman’s antics.

“Daughter-in-law, what are you two working on? Are you planning the usage of this land to prepare for the arrival of the disabled retired soldiers?”

“That’s right. I’ve said that I don’t feed people for nothing here. Naturally, I must arrange work for them. If anyone expects me to support them for nothing, they are dreaming! No, they shouldn’t even dream about it! I don’t care what others say, no matter how nasty the words, they can yell till the skies fall, but they won’t make me change my principles!”

It was clear that his daughter-in-law was hinting at something, probably having heard the nonsense gossip deliberately spread in the military camps. It was understandable for her to be upset. Despite her good intentions, she faced criticism from greedy people who said she wasn’t doing enough.

“Daughter-in-law, you needn’t pay attention to those unpleasant words, and certainly don’t change your principles. You have to believe that with your husband here, I will protect you. Those rumors have spread because I permitted them,” Han Yu said, for he never kept his actions from his daughter-in-law.

Humph, what do you mean by that?” Su Wenyue fixed her gaze on Han Yu, sensing that something about this situation was unusual. She had initially thought it was Han Yu’s political opponents trying to tarnish her reputation to drag him down, but it turned out to be his own doing.

“You’re right, daughter-in-law, one cannot predict human nature. Even if you do a good deed, it doesn’t guarantee gratitude, and you might even attract trouble. One’s true character isn’t easily discerned,” he added.

Now Su Wenyue understood, “So you have employed this strategy. Even though it might start with unsavory rumors, it won’t truly ruin our reputation, but it can truly test people’s hearts—a good method, indeed. Now it reveals many issues, doesn’t it?”

“Correct. I’ve paid special attention to the returning disabled retired soldiers and had them tested. Those with flawed characters will not be kept; I can’t allow danger to stay close to you, daughter-in-law.”

Everyone has flaws, but what mattered most to Han Yu was the character of these men. Flaws were acceptable—they could change—but character defects were not, especially not those ungrateful individuals who took everything for granted, regardless of how much you did for them. These people were utterly unacceptable. Busy with affairs outside, Han Yu could not always keep an eye on the inner house, and it was even more critical for him to screen thoroughly to prevent any scheming against his daughter-in-law during his absences. That was a situation he would never allow.

Moved by his words, Su Wenyue realized Han Yu’s actions were not obligatory. If he weren’t sincerely concerned for her, he could have just sent the men over without further ado. Why go through such elaborate efforts and cause such a fuss? Han Yu’s ways made her almost forget what the man from her previous life was like—the one who was so indifferent and neglectful towards her. Was that uncaring man truly the same as the one before her? It was astounding how much a person could change. Perhaps it was she who, in her previous life, had failed spectacularly; back then, she had only resented Han Yu, not realizing that everything was reciprocal.