Chapter 495 - Chapter 495: Chapter 502: A Breakthrough (1/2)

Chapter 495: Chapter 502: A Breakthrough

“Master, do these carvings represent some special meaning?”

These marks were quite hidden and looked as if they were unintentionally made, far from seeming to hold any special significance, which is why Qi Yun and his men failed to notice anything amiss when they were searching previously.

“These were left by madam,” Han Yu felt immensely grateful. When they had discussed secret guards in the past, they unintentionally mentioned the idea of secret marks. His daughter-in-law had whimsically created one specifically for the two of them. He still remembered the proud and confident expression on his daughter-in-law’s face as she boasted that even if others saw the secret mark, they would not be able to recognize it.

At the time, Han Yu secretly disdained the mark his daughter-in-law had made—it was indeed without any pattern and somewhat ugly. However, seeing his daughter-in-law’s joy, he didn’t want to discourage her and agreed to it. He never expected that what seemed like a thoughtless gesture would be useful one day.

Upon hearing that this was a secret mark left by madam, those present were somewhat surprised and their faces showed a trace of joy. Not only did Han Yu understand that the lone embroidered shoe and a few footprints by the shore couldn’t prove that Su Wenyue was definitely alive, but they were all aware of it too. However, out of respect for the master, they kept such thoughts to themselves, without saying a word. After all, who was the master? An extraordinary strategist, far more perceptive than they were. Whatever they could deduce, surely the master understood as well. He simply didn’t want to entertain that possibility. Now, with the secret mark left by madam, they had no more doubts.

“This is great, master! Madam is truly still alive. Has madam left any clues on who took her away?”

Han Yu shook his head. Although it was confirmed that his daughter-in-law was still alive, as long as he didn’t find her, he couldn’t predict what sort of changes might occur. Knowing his daughter-in-law’s character, she would have sent him a message if she had the chance, because she worried he would be anxious. He searched around the forest again and, other than the mark indicating his daughter-in-law was still alive, there was nothing else left behind. It seemed the situation at the time did not allow for it, and it was likely that his daughter-in-law was restrained and could only leave such a mark out of desperation.

“Master, Captain Qi and Master Feng Shao are searching for madam everywhere. Should we meet up with them? Perhaps they have already uncovered some information.”

Given the situation, besides doing precisely that, there seemed to be no other choice. Han Yu, despite his urgency, had to proceed step by step. Deep down, he wasn’t very optimistic. Those who kidnapped his wife and covered their tracks must certainly have taken precautions and were no ordinary people. His greatest fear was their association with the Imperial Court.

Han Yu rushed ahead to the nearest town to meet up with Qi Yun, leaving a team behind to search the area and see if they could find more of his daughter-in-law’s secret marks.

“Master, it is my fault. I was a step too late and failed to prevent madam from jumping off the cliff. I dare not shirk the responsibility and only ask that the master allows me to find madam first before I accept my punishment,” Qi Yun confessed his guilt to Han Yu as soon as he saw him, his face full of remorse.