Chapter 427: 434: Making an Earlier Decision

“I really don’t understand what Xiu Qi is thinking, but I see that he cares a lot about his wife’s family. Likewise, the Su Family serves me loyally. Now that they’re facing difficulties, I can’t just sit by and do nothing.”

Liu Xiu also found this matter vexing. If he let it continue without intervention, he wouldn’t feel at ease, fearing that Han Yu and the Su Family would truly be coerced by Wang Mang, leading to a betrayal against him. With the power Han Yu held in his hands, should he turn against him, Liu Xiu knew he would be unable to contain the situation. Yet, to get involved—Chang’an was beyond his reach and influence, and even with effort, there was no guarantee of the desired outcome.

Although Liu Xiu thought this, he couldn’t reveal his inner thoughts, lest he dishearten his followers and lead them to believe him heartless and disloyal. He didn’t want that, but the realities had to be considered. He was no longer the innocent youth filled with poems and propriety from before.

“But General, how are we to manage this? We have no power in Chang’an, and moreover, the people are in the hands of that villain Wang Mang. Rescuing them won’t be easy. Or else, I, old Tan, will lead some men to Chang’an and storm in, breaking into the prison to rescue them!” The speaker was a man who had a reasonably good relationship with Han Yu on normal days; however, the man was simple-minded, his reliance on nothing but good strength and martial arts scarcely yielded any useful ideas.

Hearing old Tan speak thus, Liu Xiu helplessly rubbed his forehead. Why did he bring such a reckless person along? This wasn’t giving advice but causing trouble. Fortunately, most present were reliable, and before Liu Xiu even spoke, someone else began to speak.

“Old Tan, what kind of terrible idea are you suggesting? That Prison is not so easily breached. Do you really think you’re invincible just because of your strength? I’m afraid you’d be captured by Mang’s men before even reaching the Prison, and instead of rescuing anyone, you’d end up imprisoned yourself.”

“So what should we do? This won’t work, that won’t work. That Mang scoundrel is really despicable, actually coming up with such a scheme. You all say what we should do. I’m just simple old Tan; I might not have the brains, but I’m still good for muscle.”

After old Tan finished speaking, there was a moment of silence. Such a dilemma wasn’t easy to resolve in a short time.

“Handling this matter now is genuinely tricky. We aren’t afraid of Mang’s villainy, but we fear complications on General Han’s side. If something goes awry, the consequences are unimaginable. The Imperial Court is already planning to send troops against us; we have no certainty of victory, and we cannot afford mishaps on General Han’s end.” This sentiment was actually shared by most people there.

Yin Shi’s eyes darted around, gauging everyone’s reactions as if he wanted to say something but remained silent. Someone noticed Yin Shi’s reaction.

Seeing this, Liu Xiu had a thought and turned to Yin Shi, asking, “Uncle Ci, you always have plenty of ideas. Perhaps you’ve thought of a solution?”

Yin Shi, seeing Liu Xiu’s personal inquiry, didn’t hold back any further and with a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes, he said, “In this situation, rather than allowing the people in Marquis Bei’an Mansion to become a threat to General Han and the Su Family, it would be better for us to send men to Chang’an. If we’re going to do anything, might as well go all out and nip the danger in the bud. It’s difficult to save people anyway, eliminating a threat, however, is much easier.”

After Yin Shi spoke, seeing the diverse reactions, Liu Xiu looked hesitant and uncertain, continuing, “Uncle Wen, those who achieve great things do not fuss over small matters. It’s not that we do not wish to support General Han, but there are things that are feasible and things that are not. Trying to rescue people from Chang’an’s Prison is practically impossible. Therefore, we must sacrifice the few to protect the many. Individuals’ interests are trivial and cannot jeopardize the greater good.”

“Third Young Master, Brother Yin is right. Now is the time for you to make a tough decision. If it comes to what we foresee, it will be too late to regret later.” Human nature is selfish, and those present can be trusted by Liu Xiu. Few had close ties with Han Yu, and even those with friendships maintained them privately. Knowing Liu Xiu’s reservations, Han Yu would not openly court Liu Xiu’s confidants, and with their own interests at stake, most people supported the proposal Yin Shi made, even knowing it to be unkind.

“But this seems unfair to Xiu Qi; after all, those are his wife’s eldest uncle’s people. If Brother Han knew about this, I’m afraid he, too, might harbour grudges,” Liu Xiu hesitated, for such action contravened the morality he had always upheld.

“Uncle Wen has an open mind and values loyalty, which I admire. Yet Han Yu may not share your thoughts. Initially, his strength was no less than yours, but suddenly he deferred to you, Uncle Wen. The reason behind this puzzles many, and since this matter affects the grand scheme of things, General Han should surely distinguish between what is more and what is less important.”

Having spoken his piece, and having offended Han Yu, Yin Shi was set on swaying Liu Xiu. From now on, Han Yu might harbor resentment towards him. No secrets could be kept forever, and among those present, some may have good relations with Han Yu, not to mention old Tan with his frank nature; his words today would sooner or later reach Han Yu.

Moreover, Yin Shi harbored his own unspeakable thoughts towards Han Yu, feeling a vexing frustration—wanting what one doesn’t have. They were both alike yet different, skilled in strategems, but Han Yu’s moves were often out in the open, hence more likely to receive Liu Xiu’s affirmation. Now, Liu Xiu hesitated to trust Han Yu too much, which is why he leaned slightly more on Yin Shi. But whose future could be certain?

Given the chance, Yin Shi wanted to remove the threat that Han Yu posed, yet not even Liu Xiu had the ability to do so at present. Nevertheless, this presented a good opportunity. It was impossible to directly harm Han Yu, but they could indirectly weaken his influence, causing friction between Han Yu, his in-laws, and Liu Xiu. Later, when the time was right, they could continue to diminish Han Yu’s threat, bit by bit.

“Brother Yin is not wrong. General Han is wholeheartedly loyal to Third Young Master, and even if he learns of this, he will surely understand the Third Young Master’s difficult decision. Third Young Master, please make your decision soon. I’ve heard the Eldest Young Master of the Su Family is already on his way to Chang’an, and if we don’t act now, it will be too late.” The speaker, an Advisor who was friendly with Yin Shi, wasn’t just supporting Yin Shi’s argument but also disliked Han Yu’s typically cold and arrogant demeanor.

“Please, Third Young Master, make your decision soon!”

“Please, My Lord, make your decision promptly!”

As the Advisor’s voice fell, echoes of agreement followed from all around. Liu Xiu internally felt great reluctance to make this decision, but at that moment, he had to consider the opinions of those around him.

“Tch, what an eye-opener, a collection of sanctimonious hypocrites. Clearly acting for personal gain with ignoble deeds, yet speaking as if so high and mighty—I’ve never seen such shamelessness. I wonder if Big Brother Han, seeing your true colors, will feel disheartened.”