Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 502: Chapter 509: Still Too Late
 

“Can we be sure that the woman is Madam?” Han Yu was no longer the calm man he used to be, his voice filled with agitation, wishing he could go search for her immediately. Nevertheless, he managed to suppress the urgency in his heart and asked for the specifics.

Facing Han Yu’s state, the secret guard who delivered the message felt immense pressure and wiped his sweat: “It’s not certain yet, but her figure is very similar. Master Feng Shao has already sent people to investigate. Since we know that the man has appeared, the town is only so large, and his face is unfamiliar here, news will surely come soon.”

“It won’t do, I can’t wait for Big Brother Feng to send the message. Let’s set out right now, gaining even a little more time is good.” Han Yu had always remembered the previous incident. He kept thinking that if only he had received the news earlier and made it there in time, perhaps he would have found his daughter-in-law, instead of letting her be taken away by a dangerous and bloodthirsty man. The thought left him gasping with a suffocating pain in his heart and he almost couldn’t forgive himself.

In reality, he had rushed over as soon as possible back then. Even if he had been a bit earlier, based on the traces left at the scene, it would have been impossible to make it in time. He received the news only half a day later, but Han Yu was consumed by tunnel vision, so distressed over his daughter-in-law that he kept blaming himself, attributing all the fault to himself.

After asking the secret guard for the address, Han Yu gave a few quick orders and immediately headed towards Feng Jianling’s place. He wished he could fly there, and were it not for fear of exhausting his horse and possibly causing a delay if it collapsed, Han Yu might have ridden his horse to death.

Feng Jianling was somewhat surprised to see Han Yu. He hadn’t expected him to arrive so quickly after the message was sent. Observing Han Yu’s haggard and weary appearance, Feng Jianling sighed internally. Han Yu was too emotionally invested, which could be a hindrance, even a fatal weakness; it wasn’t necessarily a good thing. Yet, since Miss Yue was like a younger sister to him, whom he’d watched grow up, he felt happy for her to have married such a good man. He only hoped that this time she could turn bad luck into good fortune and come home safely to continue enjoying such blessings.

Han Yu himself understood this but had tried his hardest to hide it, in order not to put Su Wenyue in danger. Yet, some things were obvious even to the casual observer; no matter how much he tried to disguise it, his feelings for Su Wenyue were unmistakable. Sometimes, a single gesture or expression could reveal his attitude towards her. Moreover, Han Yu couldn’t bear to see Su Wenyue slighted in public, which ultimately still brought danger upon her.

Han Yu was filled with regret. Had he known the consequences, even if it was tough, he would have done things differently. Now, regrets were useless and too late. With Su Wenyue in such a situation, he didn’t have the strength to care about anything else. As long as he could find her, he would do everything in his power to ensure his daughter-in-law’s safety and not let anyone else covet her.

“Xiu Qi, it’s good that you’ve come. I have already discovered some clues here. The mysterious woman accompanied by the man in black is probably Miss Yue. I’ve got the address as well. However, I didn’t dare to investigate hastily because the man in black is extremely secretive and highly skilled in martial arts. I feared stirring trouble and alerting him might spoil everything. Now that you’re here, let’s gather our forces and head there immediately!”

Han Yu nodded. Although he had some doubts, now wasn’t the time to ask questions. Finding her was the most important thing. Anything else could wait.

“Big Brother Feng’s concerns are valid. Let’s go now. Even though the man is highly skilled, with the two of us working together and bringing so many people, we should be able to handle it.” Han Yu gripped his sword, his voice trembling slightly, which showed how thrilled he was after confirming that the woman might be his daughter-in-law.

However, Han Yu hadn’t expected that he was still too late. When they arrived at the Small Courtyard and burst through the door, there was no one inside, only an empty room devoid of life. Traces showed that someone had indeed stayed there—the steamed buns and the bowl of noodles left by Phantom for Su Wenyue the night before were still there, cold as could be. Given the temperate weather, they hadn’t spoiled, which indicated she hadn’t been gone long. Still, late was late.

Han Yu didn’t know how to describe the frustration he felt at that moment. It was the same as before; he was just a bit too late, and his daughter-in-law had been taken away, turning all his excitement and joy into nothing but cold worry. Had he known it would turn out like this, even at the risk of danger, he wouldn’t have let his daughter-in-law and child leave first. At least, the outcome wouldn’t be what it was now.

In truth, he was too selfish. At the time, he was worried for his daughter-in-law and child’s safety, but deep down, he was also afraid they would distract him from his duties. That was why he sent his daughter-in-law and child away first, allowing him to devote himself completely to the battlefield. Perhaps if he had invested even a fraction of his effort, he might have been able to protect his daughter-in-law and leave together. However, he had never imagined things would escalate to this extent, thinking his plans were foolproof.

Once again, Han Yu was engulfed in a torrent of remorse and self-reproach, ultimately to no avail. Even if he swore to do things differently in the future, he had to find his daughter-in-law first before he could make it a reality.

People always realize what’s most important after they have lost it. He once thought his ideals were of utmost importance, but after losing his daughter-in-law, he realized that nothing mattered. As long as she could come back, without her by his side, even if he gained everything else, what would be the point?

“Xiu Qi, don’t blame yourself, none of this is your fault. Don’t take all the burden upon yourself. Besides, we already have a lead on the man in black; we have something to follow. I have already given orders, and perhaps we will soon have news about Miss Yue again,” Feng Jianling said, patting Han Yu’s shoulder. Han Yu’s regret and despair were all too clear to him.

Despite Feng Jianling’s words, Han Yu showed little reaction, still gazing dazedly around the room, searching for anything related to his daughter-in-law. Perhaps it was an illusion, but Han Yu thought he could faintly smell the natural fragrance of Su Wenyue, which made him love-struck and crazed with longing.

“Xiu Qi, don’t be like this. In fact, I haven’t had the chance to explain the details to you, so you don’t understand.” Feng Jianling hadn’t explained everything before because they were busy trying to rescue Su Wenyue, and also because he didn’t want to worry Han Yu. Everything would be clear once they found her. But now, with her still missing, it was time to tell Han Yu.