Chapter 14 - 14 Chapter 14: Not Yet Enlightened (2/2)
Han Yu had seen the embroidery skills Su Wenyue demonstrated; he didn’t believe she couldn’t do it herself, perhaps she just didn’t want to do it.
Thinking this way, Han Yu also recalled her reluctance when unveiling the wedding veil. But then again, with her privileged background, who would be willing to marry a Farmer with no particular skills like him? Although Han Yu believed he wouldn’t live an ordinary life forever, outsiders saw the reality for what it was.
“I remember during the Tea ceremony, you confidently claimed that those shoes and insoles were handcrafted by you, even causing Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law to apologize, making me believe too,” Han Yu said casually, his tone light and teasing, but Su Wenyue felt an increased pressure.
This devil, still but a common Farmer without yet making his fortune, had a presence so assertive it entirely overwhelmed her. Su Wenyue cursed him silently in her mind.
Yet Han Yu’s tone suddenly became much more severe. It was fine for his Daughter-in-law to be a little spoiled, but he couldn’t indulge her habit of lying: “Why are you looking down! Look at me when I’m speaking. What’s the use of acting like this after what you’ve done? I am curious about one thing, though. Since you managed to deceive everyone, why confess the truth to me now? Aren’t you afraid I’d be angry or tell Father and Mother about it?”
“I am afraid, but… but Mother said Husband and Wife should act with honesty. Besides, I didn’t want to lie to you. And you’re so smart, while I’m a bit slow. I wouldn’t be able to trick you anyway, so I might as well tell you the truth. If you’re angry, you can punish me or scold me all you want. But please, don’t tell Father and Mother; they would definitely be upset,” Su Wenyue said coyly, shaking Han Yu’s arm, leaving him both helpless and…
Han Yu raised his hand to hit Su Wenyue’s head, but as his hand neared her, he changed the action, poking her forehead firmly instead: “You know you’re not smart, and your little tricks might fool the naive, but I can’t be bothered to call you out on them. It would be too easy to spot the flaws.”
“Yes, yes, I know you’re the most amazing, Husband. But it wasn’t on purpose. I was just so angry at the time, angry that Dad had me marry just any man on a whim, without letting me choose someone I liked. I was showing him my displeasure. Why should I do as he wished? But I won’t do it again, I promise to make clothes for you with my own hands in the future,” she said.
“So what kind of man do you like?” Han Yu asked casually, although the topic had already shifted.
Showing nothing on her face, Su Wenyue internally dismissed Han Yu’s childish tactics. ‘As if I don’t know you’re fishing for information. The future Prime Minister is still growing up, still too green. Madam, I was seasoned in the backyard dealings, expert in dealing with that unfaithful scoundrel. Even though men are different, they have commonalities.’
“Well, I’m not sure what I like. Maybe someone handsome, gentle, and considerate? Or someone cool and devoted? Or someone dignified with a strong Presence of a man? Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I just wanted to pick a man I liked myself, like my cousin did, instead of carelessly marrying a stranger!” Su Wenyue spoke bitterly internally, yet her external facade was clouded with naive confusion.
Han Yu shook his head, disbelieving her idea of a preferred partner; all figments of her imagination. The reason for her unwillingness to marry him wasn’t due to his lack of ability as a Farmer or a preoccupied heart; it turns out this girl simply hadn’t matured. It seemed he was the one overthinking things.