Chapter 460: 647: No Turning Back

“Uncle Wen, there’s no need to be kind and gentle when dealing with such traitors; otherwise, the only one who gets hurt is oneself.”

“I’m well aware of that. There’s no need to discuss this matter further. Let’s talk about the food and provisions instead; that’s what’s truly urgent.” Liu Xiu had already made up his mind and didn’t even listen to Han Yu’s words, let alone those of Yin Shi. It was just that he still held onto benevolence and righteousness, and couldn’t bring himself to act ruthlessly without concrete evidence when it was all just suspicion.

Seeing Liu Xiu act this way, Yin Shi felt powerless, but he would not allow anyone who threatened his interests to exist. Since Liu Xiu wouldn’t act, it was up to him to take action in private.

Having left Liu Xiu’s tent, Liu Kuan went straight back to his own quarters without stopping anywhere. He couldn’t help but feel paranoid, as if someone was constantly watching him, making him afraid to make any move. Yet, Liu Kuan was no ordinary person; otherwise, he wouldn’t have won Liu Xiu’s trust before. Despite his impatience, he managed to remain calm and collected.

After some careful thought, Liu Kuan was confident that he had left no trails behind. Even if Liu Xiu and Han Yu had found something questionable, Liu Kuan believed they had no evidence. If they did, their attitude toward him would be more than just suspicious. Having followed Liu Xiu for so long, he also understood Liu Xiu’s character; without solid evidence, Liu Xiu was not likely to take action against him. Therefore, the best plan for him now was to avoid making any further mistakes.

Yin Shi discussed the matter of food and provisions with Liu Xiu. Although Liu Xiu was not very worried about it, he still found it troubling. In the past, he mainly relied on donations from local tycoons and gentry, or on arrangements similar to those with Chen Li, where one side needed funds to gather military rations, and the other needed Liu Xiu as a backer. Later, when the Su Family sided with Liu Xiu, their substantial strength meant that he no longer had to worry about these matters, entrusting the Su Family with the logistics. However, with the ongoing war, the consumption of food and provisions had been rapidly increasing. Even the Su Family’s considerable resources could not sustain such huge consumption, so it seems a discussion with Su Hengxuan about this matter was necessary.

Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Su Hengyi had hurriedly traveled from Yiyang to a small town near Chang’an City. They disguised themselves before entering the city, not expecting the defenses of Chang’an City to be so strict. They faced rigorous scrutiny as soon as they entered, and had it not been for Su Hengyi’s cautious and thorough preparations, they would have been caught by Wang Mang’s men at the first checkpoint.

“Brother Yi, it’s fortunate that you were well-prepared in advance. Chang’an is the stronghold of that traitorous Wang Mang; if his men had discovered us, we would have faced trouble today,” Feng Ruolin said with a sense of relief, previously thinking that Su Hengyi had been too cautious.

It did not surprise Su Hengyi that Wang Mang had assembled such forces. The Imperial Court’s army had already set off towards Yiyang Prefecture, and with Han Yu being Liu Xiu’s leading general, it makes sense that part of the reason Wang Mang targeted the Marquis Bei’an Mansion was because of him. No wonder Wang Mang had put up such a grand display to welcome them.

“It seems our journey will be more difficult than expected, and Wang Mang probably wants to capture us, not just to intimidate others with the blood of the Marquis Bei’an Mansion; otherwise, he wouldn’t have put in so much effort.” Su Hengyi expressed his concerns gravely. Just the scale of today’s deployment made him doubt if their own resources, even with added assistance from the Jianghu, would be enough to rescue the captives.

“Husband, don’t worry. Even though Wang Mang’s arrangements are meticulous, there will always be loopholes to exploit, and we will surely rescue them,” Feng Ruolin said, knowing her husband’s worries.

“Yes, no matter what, even if it means scaling a mountain of swords or plunging into a sea of flames, I will definitely rescue them!” Su Hengyi was not deterred by Wang Mang’s display of force. Regardless of the reason, he must rescue them at all costs. As the heir to the second branch of the Su Family, cowardice or timidity was not in his nature. Despite the danger, he was determined to achieve his goal.

Feng Ruolin understood her husband’s resolution, which signified readiness to risk life and death, yet she was not frightened but calmly declared, “Husband, whatever you do, I support you and will accompany you.”

Su Hengyi was acting as a Su Family heir should, and as a man must for his kin. The only ones he felt sorry for were his wife and children. Touched and apologetic, he said, “Lin Mei, I…”

“Husband, there’s no need to say it; I understand,” Feng Ruolin interjected. She had married Su Hengyi precisely for this quality and naturally wouldn’t blame him for choosing to take responsibility. Instead, she supported him. If Su Hengyi had been discouraged by Wang Mang’s arrangements or had abandoned the rescue for any reason, Feng Ruolin would have disdained him. The people of Jianghu valued righteousness above all, and as a daughter of the Jianghu, Feng Ruolin was unswervingly committed to rescuing her eldest uncle’s family.

Su Hengyi was deeply moved, but realized that saying more now would be inappropriate. He was grateful in his heart; thankfully, he had withstood his birth mother’s pressure to marry this daughter-in-law. As a businessman frequently traveling far and wide, he was more open-minded and didn’t care much for trivial customs. What mattered most was the person’s inner character. His choice had indeed been correct. Although Feng Ruolin hadn’t entirely met his mother’s expectations in the years they were married, in his eyes, she had done very well.

Upon entering Chang’an City, Su Hengyi and his companions did not go to any establishments associated with the Su Family, whether publicly or privately. Although the properties related to Marquis Beian Mansion had been seized by Wang Mang, the businesses belonging to the Su Family in Chang’an City were unaffected. Whether Wang Mang was unaware of this detail or was deliberately playing cat and mouse, they could not take the risk. After entering the city, they directly located the discreet safehouse Han Yu had provided in Chang’an.

The safehouse wasn’t large and wasn’t particularly well hidden, being situated in a teahouse near West Market, surrounded by a black market and various stores. Indeed, this was a place where chaos reigned and all sorts of people congregated.

When the shop boys saw Su Hengyi and his group presenting credentials and such, the shopkeeper, who had been forewarned, asked no questions and led them straight through to the back.

“Gentlemen, please wait here; the shopkeeper will be back shortly,” one said.

“Master, this place is too chaotic and complicated; isn’t it easy to get exposed?” One of Su Hengyi’s men, upon seeing their lodgings in such a place, spoke with worry after the boy left.

Feng Ruolin spoke even before Su Hengyi could answer, approving of the location not with dissatisfaction, but with satisfaction.

“What do you know? It’s precisely this kind of place that’s preferable. With such complexity, anyone’s appearance is unsurprising, and our own presence won’t draw suspicion or attention. Besides, although small and slightly shabby, the place has everything it should,” she said.