Chapter 430: 437: A Piece of Kindness

Chen Li spoke with refreshing directness, making that group of self-important men feel ashamed of undervaluing her. If she didn’t take advantage of the situation to assert herself, she would be letting herself down. Her argument was so compelling that it left everyone feeling quite embarrassed.

Since these people followed Liu Xiu, most were those he valued, with fairly decent character. Previously, instigated by Yin Shi and driven by their own interests, they had acted against their conscience. Now, reflecting on their words, they felt some shame and did not dare to refute Chen Li’s remarks.

Liu Xiu also found Chen Li’s words reasonable and was quite satisfied with the outcome, feeling somewhat relieved. If he did act on his concerns, his conscience would be troubled, and he would feel guilty and uneasy around Han Yu. The current Liu Xiu was still young and not yet tainted by the dark and cunning nature of politics, his heart maintaining its goodness rather than being a king who manipulated politics from on high.

Upon hearing Chen Li’s “righteous words,” Yin Shi’s expression darkened considerably. This woman was clearly here to thwart his plans. He had managed to persuade a few people to side with him and speak on his behalf, aiming to convince Liu Xiu to follow his advice. Now silenced by Chen Li’s impassioned speech, especially a few amongst them who even showed signs of agreement and regret, Yin Shi was livid with anger.

“Absolute nonsense! A woman like you, with no understanding of major affairs beyond the home front, should not spout nonsense. How could the loyalty of one man compare to Uncle Wen’s grand ambitions? ‘Without ruthlessness, there’s no great man.’ Uncle Wen, if you wish to achieve great things, you cannot afford the compassion of a woman. Otherwise, by the time Han Yu is coerced by the Imperial Court into doing something wrong, it will be too late!” Yin Shi glaringly retorted to Chen Li.

Chen Li, equally unyielding, retorted, “What do you mean nonsense? I am speaking sense, while you preach fallacies. You disregard the life and death of others for your own benefit, lacking any vision! What does ‘Without ruthlessness, there’s no great man’ even mean? A gentleman acts by principle—what’s right and what’s not. If one engages in despicable acts just to achieve personal gains, even if successful, what then? To be remembered with a legacy of disgrace, would that make you proud?!”

Conspiracy, when brought to light, could never stand against reason. Regardless of Yin Shi’s eloquence, he was rendered speechless by Chen Li’s piercing words.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Seeing Yin Shi speechless and fuming, Chen Li felt an immense sense of satisfaction. It wasn’t that she possessed a strict sense of right and wrong; if it served her interests, what harm was there in wrongdoing? After all, she wouldn’t have entertained the notion of pursuing Han Yu, a married man, otherwise. Nonetheless, Chen Li, though no paragon of virtue, couldn’t compare to Yin Shi’s malevolence.

When Liu Xiu saw the dispute between Chen Li and Yin Shi settling, he stepped in to mediate, as both individuals were still useful to him.

“Enough, let’s stop arguing. We’re all on the same side; there’s no sense in such heated conflict. Regarding what you both said—each of you has a point. There’s no absolute right or wrong here, just different perspectives. Moreover, I’ve already made my decision, so there’s no need for further discussion,” Liu Xiu declared.

Chen Li and Yin Shi, both eager to continue, calmed down upon hearing that Liu Xiu had already decided, all ears for what he would say next.

Liu Xiu didn’t beat around the bush and announced his decision, “I, Liu Xiu, have always acted with integrity, especially towards my own people. I absolutely will not engage in any underhanded or sinister schemes. Even if Xiu Qi joined me with other intentions, he has been of great help and earnestly dutiful since following me. On this grounds alone, I cannot betray him. Why can’t things be discussed openly and resolved fairly? I was mistaken earlier, which led to such misunderstandings.”

“The master is wise!”

“The master is benevolent!”

“To have such a good master is a blessing for us all. From here on, we will serve him wholeheartedly to repay his kindness,” the Subordinates expressed.

A benevolent master was preferable to a cold and cruel one. When Liu Xiu expressed his viewpoint, he received full support from his Subordinates. Even Yin Shi, inwardly dissatisfied, showed loyalty, convincing Liu Xiu even more of the righteousness of his decision.

“In that case, let’s call Xiu Qi over and discuss it together. Although we haven’t come up with a good solution yet, Xiu Qi is sharp and adept at strategy; he may have found a way to deal with this,” Liu Xiu, realizing the urgency, decided to summon Han Yu immediately to discuss their countermeasures.

“There’s no need to send someone specially. Big Brother Han will be here soon,” Chen Li quickly spoke as Liu Xiu was about to dispatch someone to fetch Han Yu.

Liu Xiu looked at Chen Li with suspicion, “Ah Li, how do you know Brother Han will come?”

Chen Li chuckled, a glint of guilt crossing her eyes. She didn’t mention that she had already sent someone to deliver a message to Han Yu, ensuring he would receive her communication before she confidently made those arguments—it wasn’t ignorance, but security she had prepared. She was no fool; knowing their secret, if Liu Xiu didn’t take her side and they turned on her, deciding to silence her, what then?

It wasn’t just alarmist talk. She didn’t know about the others, but she was certain someone as sinister as Yin Shi was capable of such deeds; otherwise, he wouldn’t have made such suggestions. Moreover, Chen Li knew of other ruthless acts committed by Yin Shi.

But Chen Li wasn’t foolish enough to disclose her intentions at that moment, she simply explained, “I actually heard some rumors from Chang’an City, knowing that Big Brother Liu would be anxious about this matter, so I also invited Big Brother Han over to discuss. He should be here soon.”

“I see,” Liu Xiu nodded, not suspecting Chen Li of deceiving him. After all, she had always seemed simple and straightforward, and there was no reason for her to lie to him about such matters.

“Yes, I was just overly worried when I heard the news, so I acted impulsively and invited Big Brother Han over directly. You won’t blame me for taking the initiative, will you?” Chen Li asked, her expression tinged with regret, fearing Liu Xiu might be upset.

Liu Xiu, not overthinking it, appreciated her concern, “Of course not. You meant well. In that case, I won’t bother summoning anyone; we’ll just wait here for Brother Han to arrive.”

Han Yu was busy dealing with matters in the military camp when he learned that Chen Li’s Servant girl urgently wished to see him. Considering the current situation, despite his reluctance, he agreed to meet with the Servant girl and received the note in his hand.