Chapter 435: Chapter Four Hundred and Forty-One: Who’s There
Although Su Wenyue knew very well that Han Yu had absolutely no inappropriate thoughts about this woman, to the point of detestation, she even forbid her to spend much time with her, Su Wenyue’s heart was still uncomfortable. If it were some other woman, it might have been better, but it happened to be Chen Li. Nonetheless, Su Wenyue knew that Han Yu would definitely not bring this woman in on his own; it must have been Chen Li who had resorted to some trick again.
Su Wenyue further inquired about the specifics of Han Yu’s interaction with Chen Li. Learning that Han Yu’s attitude was cold from start to finish, she felt somewhat relieved and continued to have someone keep an eye on the situation.
Seeing Han Yu walking away, Chen Li hurriedly followed him. This time, with Han Yu’s indication, no one stopped her from entering. It’s just that when she reached the place where Han Yu had just been, he was already gone. Chen Li stood there, huffing with anger. Although she knew the routes of Han Mansion, Han Yu’s actions were truly infuriating.
“Good for you, Han Yu, to be so excessive. Since that’s the case, don’t blame me for being unkind. You’re asking for this!” The more Chen Li thought about it, the angrier she became. Suddenly, the corners of her mouth curled up with an idea. She didn’t head in Han Yu’s direction but changed her course towards the Inner Courtyard.
When Su Wenyue received the news, she was surprised and found it somewhat amusing. Han Yu was being incredibly ungentlemanly, leaving someone hanging like that. But what was Chen Li coming to the Inner Courtyard for? Could it be that she was coming to find her?
Su Wenyue found Chen Li’s motives perplexing, as this woman always acted in unpredictable ways. It was hard to say what she intended to do. First, she blocked Han Yu at the main gate, and now was she coming to provoke her?
It was no wonder Su Wenyue thought this way, given that Chen Li had just been ‘abandoned’ by Liu Xiu not long ago. Su Wenyue only heard that Chen Li ran out of Liu Mansion distraught and had not heard any news of her reconciling with Liu Xiu. She was still unaware of today’s visit to Liu Mansion. Who knew why this woman was coming at this time?
Other women might not resort to such actions, but a woman like Chen Li, who had committed all sorts of shocking deeds, had once revealed such intentions towards Han Yu.
“Madam, this woman definitely has ill intentions. Otherwise, I will send someone to lead her away before she arrives.” Grandma Chen was never a forceful character, especially after hearing of Chen Li’s reputation. Fearing that her own master would be bullied by that woman, she came up with a suggestion, believing it best for Madam not to see someone with such a tarnished reputation.
Su Wenyue glanced at Grandma Chen. Ultimately, Grandma Chen was a bit too honest. If Aunt Li were here, she definitely would not have suggested such a thing.
“No need, let her come. She’s no fierce beast or ferocious tiger. Am I, your master, frightened of her?” Su Wenyue said, slightly exasperated.
“Our Courtyard is big enough. Miss Chen probably hasn’t been to the Inner Courtyard before and may not know the way. Let’s send someone to guide her,” Su Wenyue said indifferently. Grandma Chen looked at Su Wenyue, shrunk her neck, and realized her own words had been somewhat foolish.
Su Wenyue was indeed provoked by Grandma Chen’s reaction. Had it been someone else, it might have been alright, but coming from the straightforward Grandma Chen, the words spoken were surely from the heart. Did she really seem inferior to Chen Li in Grandma Chen’s eyes? Su Wenyue wasn’t angry, she just felt an indignant competitive spirit. Although Su Wenyue knew she was overthinking it, women sometimes have such inexplicable thoughts and competitiveness. That’s why she sent someone to welcome Chen Li; otherwise, she wouldn’t have done anything and would have let Chen Li wander around outside until she had enough.
Chen Li had only been to the outer parts of the Mansion and had never come to the Inner Courtyard before. The servants knew she was brought in by Han Yu, so they didn’t stop her. Moreover, since Su Wenyue had instructed them not to interfere, Chen Li could move freely. But after wandering around the Inner Courtyard for a while, she lost her way. It wasn’t until then that she realized she had no idea where Su Wenyue’s Courtyard was located. She wanted to ask someone for directions, but there was no one nearby, and she didn’t even know where she had ended up.
Despite walking around, she kept ending up in the same place, and Chen Li felt like she was lost. She was quite tired and just picked a rock to sit on and fret. She hoped that Han Yu would realize she was missing and send someone to look for her. It was getting dark, and things became less visible, making it harder to find her way. In such an environment, she felt somewhat scared as a woman by herself.
Chen Li hoped that Han Yu would remember her and send someone to find her. She prayed again, but she wasn’t sure of it. After all, aside from his Daughter-in-law, Han Yu was extremely unkind to other women. Maybe he forgot about her since she hadn’t shown up for so long, which was a possibility, given Han Yu’s notorious history of being utterly indifferent to women. If that were the case, she would have to spend the night alone in the empty Garden, which was a frightening thought.
As night fell, a noise from somewhere startled Chen Li, causing her to shiver and pat her chest. Scanning the dark surroundings, she would have likely started crying if she weren’t so resilient.
“Oh Heaven, be kind and don’t scare me, please. Han Yu, you heartless man. I came to report and snitch for you, and this is how you treat me? You heartless thing, with a face so dark and a heart so hard. Which lifetime’s spouse would it take to marry Su Wenyue, a beautiful, rich girl, to rise up the ranks and gain the power you have now? Why doesn’t Heaven take you? You jerk, showing no pity for women, treating me, a delicate young beauty, with such coldheartedness… I’ve never seen anyone more ruthless…”
To bolster her courage, Chen Li sat there muttering to herself, mostly cursing at Han Yu since her current predicament was of his making, even if she had intended to play a prank.
“Pfft…” A laugh pierced the stillness of the night, making Chen Li’s hairs stand on end.
“Who’s there? Show yourself! Stop playing ghost tricks. I’m not afraid of you. So what if you’re a ghost? I just returned from the temple recently, with several talismans designed to vanquish ghosts. If you know what’s good for you, disperse quickly. Otherwise, I’ll banish you with these talismans!” Chen Li said threateningly, her voice emitting a chilling vibe, clearly bluffing. Does this girl actually believe ghosts understand human language?
Perhaps amused by Chen Li’s antics, the “Pfft” of laughter sounded again. Now fully scared, Chen Li threw caution to the wind. Picking up a stone from the ground at random, she aimed in the direction of the noise: “Curse this, Madam’s life is miserable enough, meeting such a cold-hearted, unsympathetic man who doesn’t know the first thing about cherishing women is one thing. But for you wild ghosts to dare bully me too is utterly outrageous. I want to see what a ghost looks like. If you’re brave enough, come out; otherwise stop causing trouble here!”