Chapter 335: 343: Dare to Love, Dare to Hate

The servant, seeing the old doctor acting thus, didn’t think he was lying. After a few threats and temptations, he noticed nothing unusual, and the room indeed was empty. He had no choice but to go back and report.

Once the man left, the old doctor locked the door, listened for a moment to ensure there was no noise outside, and then returned to the room. He approached a cabinet, opened a secret door, and revealed a small room with just a bed and a small table. On the bed lay a person.

“Has the man left?” Liu Xiu, lying weakly on the bed, asked while clutching a white silk handkerchief embroidered with a plum blossom and a line of small characters.

He brought the handkerchief to his nose, as if he could smell the fragrance on it—the same faint, pleasant scent he perceived from that woman when his consciousness was blurred. Indescribable, it seemed to be her natural scent, lingering at his nostrils.

The old doctor replied with considerable respect, “Young Master Liu San, the visitor was a man, not the woman who brought you here. This old servant has sent him away. It seems he had no suspicion.

The old doctor followed Liu Xiu’s instructions carefully. If it was that woman, he would welcome her, but if it was anyone else, he used a different story. After all, the visitor might not be that woman; it could be an enemy or government soldiers. He needed to act cautiously.

“That’s good…” Liu Xiu started to say but was cut off by the sudden appearance of a figure at the door. The person’s pale complexion looked even worse, and he seemed tense.

The old doctor noticed as well and moved quickly to Liu Xiu’s side in a protective stance. He was clearly intent on ensuring Liu Xiu’s safety. The old doctor also felt somewhat ashamed and regretful, blaming his own lack of caution for raising suspicion.

However, the newcomer had no intention of harming them. He was acting under Han Yu’s orders, which had specified that Liu Xiu’s stay or departure was to be at Liu Xiu’s discretion; there was no coercion. He had come back because something about the old doctor seemed off, as if he was up to no good. Now, seeing that this was not the case and that the old doctor appeared to be one of Liu Xiu’s men, he had no worries about leaving.

“There’s no need for such defense. My master sent me to ensure Young Master Liu’s safety. There’s no other agenda. Since Young Master Liu has chosen to stay of his own accord and is not being coerced, I can go back and report. Farewell,” said the visitor before quickly departing, evidently harboring no ill intent.

Liu Xiu looked somewhat embarrassed, “I suppose I was too distrustful, but in these troubled times, with the winds outside so strong, I must be cautious, hence this desperate measure.”

“Third Young Master need not feel guilty. We didn’t know the person’s background; it’s better to be safe,” said the old doctor.

“You’re right. It’s just that the benefactor didn’t leave a name. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay them,” Liu Xiu said, his tone filled with frustration and regret. At this moment, he was hard-pressed, and Xinye was not within his power. He would have to ask his brother-in-law to inquire later. Regardless, he needed to find out who his benefactor was.

“Third Young Master, should the old servant notify our family’s Young Master to make arrangements early? This place isn’t ultimately safe, and I fear the government soldiers might come searching sooner or later. That would be dangerous, especially since this secret chamber isn’t all that hidden and could be discovered by anyone determined enough.”

“Yes, please notify my brother-in-law to come and meet me at once. As for the other members of the Deng Family, let’s not inform them for now,” said Liu Xiu. He didn’t fully trust the Deng Family; although they were related by marriage, such ties meant little against self-interest. A large family contained all sorts of people with differing interests. Except for his brother-in-law Deng Chen—whom he trusted both for kinship and character—he had been betrayed and chased to this point. If not for luck and the help of a benefactor, he might well be dead by now.

Hearing the report from his subordinate, Han Yu wasn’t surprised to learn that the old doctor was Deng Chen’s man. The Deng Family had operated here for many years, and such connections were to be expected. Qi Luo and the Deng Family also had some ties, which was why the old doctor had hidden the man at their place.

Since Liu Xiu had refused, Han Yu also had no intention of rescuing him against his wishes. While he might have admired Liu Xiu, this was largely due to his good friend Deng Chen. He did not know Liu Xiu in the way Su Wenyue did, or the events of his previous life, nor was he aware that Liu Xiu would one day ascend to high office. In fact, he and Liu Xiu were hardly acquainted.

As for the rescue, Han Yu did not plan to let Liu Xiu know about it yet. He would wait and see how the situation unfolded. Wang Mang’s influence at the Imperial Court was too strong, and the order to capture the Liu brothers had come from Wang Mang himself. The superior mentioned by Ba Lang was likely one of Wang Mang’s men. Han Yu didn’t trust Liu Xiu, associating with someone branded a ‘rebellious traitor’ could bring major trouble. He didn’t have the Deng Family’s powerful backing. Any wrong step could provide leverage to those above him, enough to make him a target. Therefore, he had to act with utmost caution and care.

When Su Wenyue learned of Liu Xiu’s situation from Han Yu, she was indifferent. Regardless of how Liu Xiu reacted, her concern was that everything proceeded along a predictable path. Anything else posed a risk to her sense of security.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Han Yu felt more comfortable knowing his wife was not overly concerned about the affair. Even though he understood she saved the man for his sake, he was relieved that she didn’t show excessive concern for other men.

In the afternoon, they received a post from Deng’s Mansion inviting them to a banquet, which Han Yu found unusual.

The Deng Family was indeed planning to hold a banquet, and that wasn’t strange in itself, but the timing was moved up by a day, which seemed rushed. Even during the year-end, guests would typically be notified two or three days in advance. The sudden change in timing was enough to raise suspicion, especially given Liu Xiu’s recent troubles.

Regardless of their thoughts, Han Yu and Su Wenyue went to the banquet on time the next day. They had just arrived at Deng’s Mansion when they encountered Ye Xinxin.

Seeing Su Wenyue, Ye Xinxin greeted her warmly; anyone unaware would think they were close friends, though it was only their second meeting.

“Sister Yue, I was hoping we could come together,” Ye Xinxin said with a smile, clinging to Su Wenyue’s arm. “You know how I despise those scheming women, always full of plots and twisted thoughts—so annoying. It’s better to be straightforward like you, Sister. And you’re so pretty to look at, makes the food taste better just having you here.” She spoke with a grin, a look of cravings on her face.

Su Wenyue always found Ye Xinxin particularly adorable in these moments. The girl’s boldness and frankness agreed with her own nature—qualities she admired but couldn’t display herself. She was about to make a lighthearted remark when she looked up to see a stunningly beautiful woman heading their way.