Rebirth of a Farming Wife

When Han Yu made this statement, Zhai Li and the others felt as if they were at a turning point. It wasn’t that they lacked ambition, but after being pursued for so long, and then seeking revenge, they urgently needed to settle down and live peaceful days for a while before considering their future. The directions from their families weren’t for them to seek revenge, but to lie low, preserve themselves, and keep the lineage of their families alive.

“I am willing to follow Master.” Zhai Li responded without hesitation; his views on Han Yu were quite exceptional. Not only did Han Yu show him kindness, but he also saved his life, and being hunted everywhere, hiding in the dark was their only option.

“We are also willing.” Once Zhai Li made his stance clear, Zhang Xing and the Qi Family Brothers thought it over and were also willing to follow Han Yu. However, they bore the deep blood feuds and the heavy burdens of their families on their shoulders. While following Han Yu, they also hoped that he would give them some freedom to undertake the tasks they must address.

“Lord Han, we do not wish to deceive you. If we were ordinary people, we would never say such things, but each one of us bears a blood feud, and we have no other choice!” Zhai Li and his companions knew they were asking for too much, but they couldn’t help it. They weren’t ungrateful; Lord Han had been kind to them, a fact laid bare before them. Rather than bringing it up later with the risk of seeming traitorous, it seemed better to speak up now and feel more at peace about it.

Hearing Zhai Li and the others mention this, Han Yu was not angry. Their backgrounds dictated certain things; they couldn’t simply disregard everything, as that would only show they were forgetful of kindness and of their ancestors and families. This actually revealed the sincerity of the young men, and Han Yu might have had to reconsider whether to accept them or not, for he was also taking risks. Turning them in to gain favor was not something he would do, but he definitely wouldn’t cover for them either.

“That is only natural. I hold great respect in my heart for your esteemed elders, and when I heard the news of the Major Martial Arts Families’ destruction, I felt regret and deep sorrow. Knowing your backgrounds, I wouldn’t treat you as common folk. You will follow me only temporarily. How about a ten-year agreement? You work for me during these ten years, and I believe that within ten years, I will have achieved success and established a career. After ten years, you can leave on your own accord, to do whatever you wish or must do, and I will provide you with as much assistance as I can within my capabilities to help revive your families.”

Han Yu never intended to make Zhai Li and his companions his subordinates. Given their backgrounds, he merely lacked hands, and after proper training, Zhai Li and the others would undoubtedly become excellent helpers. Moreover, the disciples raised by the Martial Arts Families couldn’t possibly have only the abilities they appeared to have. What he wanted was to take advantage of their skills, and once he had developed his own manpower, everything else would fall into place.

“Is what Lord Han is saying true?” Zhai Li and the others showed a glimpse of hope in their eyes upon hearing Han Yu’s proposal.

“A man should stand tall between heaven and earth; what I say, I will do.”

“We will remember Lord Han’s kindness in our hearts. Should Master ever issue a command, we will go through fire and water without hesitation!” Zhai Li and a few others knelt on one knee, pledging their loyalty to Han Yu.

Han Yu helped them up: “Rise, from now on, we are our own people. Although your backgrounds are not yet known to everyone, there will always be a time when they are discovered. I can’t take you back openly, so you must leave on your own first.”

“But Master, how should we find you? Going to the military camp is clearly inappropriate, and we have nowhere to stay. We have only managed to evade pursuit because we were hiding in the stronghold.” Zhai Li said, troubled, not wanting to cause trouble for Master right from the start, but they had no choice.

Han Yu had considered what Zhai Li said and pulled out a sachet from his bosom, handing it to Zhai Li: “Take this sachet and go to the address I’ve mentioned. Someone will be there to arrange things for you, but be sure to be cautious and make certain no one is following you, and seek the place when the night is deep and no one is paying attention.”

The address Han Yu gave was actually his home in Xinluo Town. To be cautious, Han Yu did not want to involve Su Wenyue, but just like Zhai Li said, they didn’t have a place to stay, and it wasn’t safe to reside in an inn where they might be discovered. Apart from his daughter-in-law, Han Yu trusted no one else with this matter.

Zhai Li memorized the address, and Han Yu added: “That’s my home address. Once you get there, someone will take you to meet My Wife. Tell her your situation, she has good judgment and will know how to make arrangements for you.”

Although Han Yu often mocked Su Wenyue for her simplicity, he was well aware that his daughter-in-law had plans of her own. Even if she appeared foolish, it was only because she chose not to ponder over some matters, out of laziness. In crucial times, however, she was reliable and utterly loyal to him, sharing both their interests and their honors and disgraces.

Hearing that the address given by Han Yu was his own home, Zhai Li and the others were shaken; such a level of trust to give them his home address filled them with even greater gratitude.

“Do not overthink it. I choose to believe in you, and by giving you my home address, I trust that the disciples raised by the Major Martial Arts Families are upstanding and responsible, not ungrateful wretches. Otherwise, the esteemed elders wouldn’t have risked the annihilation of their entire families rather than submit to a treacherous official. Just for this reason alone, I trust in the character of those they raised.”

These words from Han Yu meant more to Zhai Li and the others than any other affirmation. To them, how they were regarded mattered less than Han Yu’s affirmation of the character of their old masters. In their hearts, they silently swore to assist Lord Han to their utmost, so as not to disappoint his trust in them.

At this moment, Su Wenyue still had no idea that Han Yu had subdued all the bandits and was en route to the military camp with them in custody, just as the heavy rain had ended and the sun emerged.

“Madam, it’s a rainbow! All colorful and pretty, a truly beautiful sight and a good omen,” Grandma Chen said excitedly upon seeing the rainbow that appeared in the sky, believing that Madam would be delighted since she had been worried about her husband’s safety for the past few days.

When Su Wenyue heard this, she looked in the direction Grandma Chen was pointing, and indeed, she saw a rainbow streaking through the sky with marvelous colors, bringing a trace of joy to her face.

“Grandma Chen, please send someone to inquire at the military camp to see if Husband has returned.”