Chapter 124 - Chapter 124: Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Four: Things to Note (2/2)

Su Wenyue and Han Yu had lunch at the Su Family’s home before returning, bringing with them many things, mostly supplements that Mrs. An had given her daughter to help strengthen her health.

Upon returning to the Han Family home, Su Wenyue sensed something amiss in the atmosphere. Although due to the government’s recent announcements, the household had lost its usual cheerfulness, today’s mood could be described as somber. Even the children’s noisy voices were absent in the courtyard, presumably silenced by the adults, a sign that it only happened during serious matters.

“Fourth child, Fourth Daughter-in-law, you’re back. Come to the Main hall. Father and Mother have something they want us all to discuss,” Mrs. Li called out from the Kitchen to Han Yu and Su Wenyue, with even more worry etched into her face than usual.

Mrs. Li, who usually seemed quiet and honest, was not without her calculations. Their Second House was in a weaker position, not favored by the parents-in-law, and her Husband lacked the ability to stand out, though he was easy to talk to. Faced with this kind of situation, if they ended up being the ones facing conscription consequences, what would become of a woman like her, left to look after children on her own?

“Second Sister-in-law, has something happened at home? The atmosphere seems a bit off,” Su Wenyue asked, already having a guess in her heart. Something that could make Mrs. Li this distressed was likely the edict on conscription from the Imperial Court coming into effect, with the Village Chief reading the decree to everyone. Han Yu apparently had the same idea.

Indeed, as Su Wenyue suspected, Mrs. Li sighed upon hearing her question, “Alas, it’s about the conscription. The Imperial Court’s notice has arrived. Today the Village Chief gathered everyone in the competition field and read out the Imperial edict. Each family must provide an adult man. Our family can’t avoid this either. Father and Mother are discussing what to do in the Main hall.”

Su Wenyue and Han Yu exchanged a look, both feeling a sense of inevitability. Apart from people like Han Yu, who wanted to earn achievements and seek a future, nobody would willingly enlist. Though the actual war hadn’t started yet, given the situation at court, it seemed inevitable. Once on the Battlefield, survival was slim – who would want that?

The atmosphere inside the house was solemn. It seemed discussions had not been pleasant, as everyone wore grim expressions. When Han Yu and Su Wenyue entered, the eyes of the entire family were upon them.

“Fourth child, Fourth Daughter-in-law, you’ve returned. Take a seat. You must have heard about the happenings today. The Imperial Court has sent the conscription orders to our village, and our family must contribute one person. Everyone has been discussing how to handle this. Share your thoughts as well,” Old Man Han said, knocking his Smoking Pipe while addressing his youngest son and Daughter-in-law.

Han Yu did not rush to respond, even though he had already made up his mind. He would not be foolish enough to take up the matter immediately but instead looked around at everyone in the room.

“I’m not yet aware of the results of the family’s discussions. What do the Big Brother, Second Brother, and Third Brother think?”

At such times, everyone’s nerves were stretched thin, especially Han Lin, who reacted immediately when he felt Han Yu’s gaze linger on him.