Chapter 465: 472: Going All Out

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Back in Yiyang, with the information in hand, Han Yu felt some unease. Though they had won the battle, causing the Imperial Court’s forces to suffer heavy losses and requiring some time to recuperate, it did not mean they could rest on their laurels. However, Zhao Fan’s recent silence troubled him—it was too quiet, almost conspiratorially so.

“Zhao Fan has made a Military Order in front of Wang Mang; he can’t just retreat or surrender. If there had been any movement, it would’ve been normal, but no movement suggests that either you haven’t observed closely enough or they’re brewing a larger plot.”

Hearing this from Han Yu, his subordinates, who had been somewhat relaxed, tensed up. If the Master had said so, there must be a reason. It seemed they could not let their guard down but rather needed to be more vigilant and watchful of the enemy’s moves, perhaps even send someone to infiltrate and gather intelligence?

“General Han’s words ring true. I will immediately dispatch more men to spy on the enemy’s movements. We can’t let their scheme succeed.”

After the servant departed, Han Yu inquired about the situation in their own camp, “In these past days, have there been any developments from Chen Chu and Liu Kuan’s side?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary. Liu Kuan has always been quiet. It’s Chen Chu who was quite active before but has now quieted down and suddenly become obedient, which I find abnormal. I’ve increased surveillance on them, but so far, nothing amiss has been detected.” Han Yu had assigned his most trusted and capable men to watch those two spies, confident not only in their loyalty but also in their abilities.

Han Yu’s frown deepened—the less they found, the more it proved that the enemy was planning something significant. But all the information gathered from various sources offered no leads. There were several small moves from Yin Shi’s side, all targeting Chen Chu and Liu Kuan.

Liu Xiu had no evidence and was unwilling to take further action against Chen Chu and Liu Kuan. Yin Shi, though, wanted to eliminate these spies quietly. To him, evidence didn’t matter; with so many signs pointing to their guilt, he couldn’t leave them be. There’s only so long one can play the thief without getting caught.

Spies good enough to be sent by the enemy and to gain Liu Xiu’s trust were no simpletons. Knowing they were suspected, they had taken precautions. Despite Yin Shi’s ruthless and unforgiving methods, both spies managed to survive, sustaining only minor injuries.

“Brother Liu, we’ve been exposed. We can’t stay with Liu Xiu any longer. We should leave as soon as possible. If Liu Xiu’s first assassination attempt failed, there will be a second and third. We might not be so lucky next time.” Chen Chu was less astute than Liu Kuan. Panicking, he wanted to flee back, thinking Liu Xiu was settling scores after uncovering the truth.

“No, we can’t just leave. Not only is it unclear who was behind this attack, but if we flee in such a disgraceful manner, do you think we’ll be welcomed? We might just be discarded,” argued Liu Kuan. He worried about his safety, of course, but he had a clearer view of the situation. He hadn’t betrayed Liu Xiu just to survive; he sought power and profit. What would returning yield him, other than sparing his life?

“Being discarded is still better than losing one’s life. I can’t continue like this, living in constant fear. I am leaving for the other side immediately. If you’re not coming, you can stay here by yourself!” Chen Chu spoke irritably, disregarding everything else.

“Stop right there! Do you think you can really make it if you just walk away? Liu Xiu’s men will likely capture you halfway, and who knows what fate you’ll meet then!” Liu Kuan said angrily. He wouldn’t bother with such a fool if not for the risk of Chen Chu’s recklessness affecting him.

Deflated by Liu Kuan’s words, Chen Chu asked, “What should we do then? Are we just left with death as our only option?”

“Can’t you be more ambitious? You’re scared senseless by one assassination attempt. With that kind of courage, you shouldn’t even be involved in this game. The more you fear, the faster you die!” scolded Liu Kuan with exasperation.

“I regret it now, okay? If I had known, I wouldn’t have been tempted by the benefits. In the end, I gained nothing.” Chen Chu was filled with regret. Looking at Liu Kuan, he suddenly said, “Brother Liu, you’re the most resourceful, and your mind is nimble. Think of what we should do. We can’t just sit here waiting for death.”

Liu Kuan was inwardly annoyed by Chen Chu’s cowardice but contained his impatience, “There is a way to survive, but it depends on whether you’re willing to listen and dare to follow through. If you’re still this faint-hearted, you might as well turn yourself in to Liu Xiu now. You may at least be left with a whole corpse.”

“Okay, Brother Liu, just tell me what to do! I’m ready to risk it all. I can’t escape death anyway, might as well go out fighting!” said Chen Chu fiercely, as if he had made up his mind.

“That’s the spirit. Since you’re determined, I’ve already thought of a plan. If you do as I say, at the very least our lives will not be in danger. I suspect this assassination attempt was not Liu Xiu’s doing. If Liu Xiu really wanted us dead, we would’ve been gone by now. So, if we play this right, we might even regain Liu Xiu’s trust.”

Chen Chu’s eyes lit up like a drowning man clutching at a lifeline, his voice excited, “Really? What’s the plan?” …

“General Han, My Lord requests your presence.”

“Is there an issue?” Han Yu, who was dealing with matters in his tent, inquired upon hearing the request.

The messenger, faced with explaining the complicated situation, expressed difficulty, “It’s… a bit complex, and I can’t explain it well right now. My Lord is waiting; perhaps it’s best if you come and discuss it there.”

Han Yu saw the messenger’s predicament and nodded thoughtfully, “All right, I’ll be there shortly.”

“Please hurry, General. It’s not just My Lord; the generals are all waiting as well.” Although the servant was reluctant to rush Han Yu, he had no choice but to do so.

Understanding the messenger’s difficulty and bearing no grudge, Han Yu thought about what could be so urgent as he made his way to Liu Xiu’s tent without delay. With a clear conscience, he had nothing to worry about.

Entering the tent, Han Yu found it crowded with people. All the high-ranking generals were present. Liu Xiu sat in the middle of the main tent with no obvious expression on his face, but Han Yu, who had come to understand Liu Xiu better over the days, could tell his mood was troubled.

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