Chapter 470: 477: Not a Fool

Although the Military Doctor internally complained, there were some things he could not speak of, especially in front of his master. Thus, he respectfully said, “In reply to My Lord, the wound from the knife on Liu Zuoling is indeed very deep, but fortunately, it did not damage any vital organs. As long as the bleeding is stopped in time, the wound is stabilized, and he is well-cared for, there should be no threat to his life.”

“That is good to hear. Military Doctor, please ensure Liu Zuoling’s injury is well treated. Whatever is needed, I shall have people cooperate with you.”

“Understood, I will see to it,” was the doctor’s response, his hands moving swiftly. It was at this moment that the Medicine Boy arrived, working efficiently with him to extract the knife, stop the bleeding, and apply the medicine on Liu Kuan.

Lying on the Bed, Liu Kuan felt dizzy from the blood loss, but he did not forget to observe everyone’s reactions and expressions. He was satisfied with the outcome, although today’s events had not unfolded as he had planned and he had paid a certain price. Nonetheless, the results were good.

From Liu Xiu’s reaction today, it was evident that he did not just harbor a little suspicion towards him. Even if the assassination of him and Chen Chu was more likely the work of Yin Shi, if Liu Xiu continued to harbor such suspicions, his future would be bleak. Moreover, there was Han Yu, watching him like a tiger ready to pounce at any moment. The charade earlier ensured that, whether Liu Xiu truly believed him or pretended to, without any evidence, he could not be touched, and he had to maintain an appearance of trust on the surface. Otherwise, it would dishearten his colleagues. After all, his willingess to die to prove his innocence was seen by everyone.

Though Liu Kuan lay on the bed seriously injured and being treated by the Military Doctor, there was also Chen Chu. However, things had reached a point where it was no longer possible to continue as planned. Liu Xiu could only disperse everyone for the time being and promised to find the culprit behind the assassinations of Chen Chu and Liu Kuan.

As he listened to Liu Xiu’s promise, Yin Shi felt particularly uneasy, yet he had to maintain a composed facade. It was then that Han Yu spoke up.

“My Lord, we must find the person who attempted to assassinate Advisor Chen and Liu Zuoling, but we must also proceed with caution. Since we have already fallen into the enemy’s trap once, we cannot allow the same thing to happen again. Otherwise, it would be a disservice to the life-threatening efforts of Liu Zuoling,” Han Yu said. Though he did not like Yin Shi, a traitor was not the same as an adversary.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

With a formidable enemy ahead, even Yin Shi could set aside his prejudices to offer his utmost assistance in all matters, avoiding petty schemes. Han Yu, too, was not one to lack perspective—at such a time, they needed to prioritize dealing with traitors. Yin Shi’s underhanded methods were deplorable, but his ultimate goal was for the benefit of their side. At this moment, they were colleagues and needed each other’s support.

“What do you mean by that, General Han? Are you perhaps feeling guilty and thus do not wish for My Lord to thoroughly investigate the matter?” The situation had changed, and this time Chen Chu spoke with confidence, no longer harboring the previous fear he felt towards Han Yu. Liu Kuan had risked his life to create this favorable situation, and even a fool like Chen Chu knew to seize it.

“Mr. Chen, can you not understand the meaning behind my words? When have I ever obstructed My Lord? I only hope that he proceeds with caution. If the enemy’s aim is to divide us through internal strife, then how could the assassination of Mr. Chen and Liu Zuoling not possibly be another trap set by the enemy forces?”

As Han Yu spoke, his eyes narrowed, and his sharp gaze swept toward Chen Chu: “Speaking of which, I’d like to ask Mr. Chen, both you and Liu Zuoling have fervently accused someone from within our ranks of attempting to assassinate you, but what evidence do you have? You say that those Men in Black were masked and pursued you with concealed identities. How did you determine they were sent by people from our side and not the enemy?”

Upon hearing this, the others began to sense that something was off. Indeed, Chen Chu and Liu Kuan had consistently claimed they were being targeted by someone from within their own ranks, even directing their accusations at Han Yu at one point. However, these were merely their assertions, unsupported by any evidence. Furthermore, neither Liu Kuan nor Chen Chu had ever explained how they perceived the true identities of the masked assailants.

“Indeed, Mr. Chen, why do you insist those who attempted to assassinate you and Liu Zuoling came from within our ranks and not possibly dispatched by the enemy?” None of them were fools. Although they were somewhat inclined towards Liu Kuan due to his actions, they hadn’t lost their senses.

“This, I… it was Liu Zuoling who noticed it,” Chen Chu was stumped by Han Yu’s question and unable to come up with an answer on the spot, he resorted to shifting the blame onto Liu Kuan. Liu Kuan was clever and should be able to answer Han Yu’s questions.

“But Mr. Chen, you were with Liu Zuoling at the time. If Liu Zuoling could discern it, how come you did not notice anything amiss?” Yin Shi also seized the opportunity to confront Chen Chu, wanting to expose him for what he was. Liu Kuan was too sly, but Chen Chu was hardly a threat.

“At that time, I was too concerned with escaping to pay attention to much else. Whatever Liu Zuoling said, I took as truth. I only learned about it from what Liu Zuoling said. If you have any questions, feel free to ask Liu Zuoling. I’m sure there was something he noticed at the time,” with no other options, Chen Chu firmly pushed all responsibility onto Liu Kuan. It was, after all, Liu Kuan’s own instructions to him, presumably to prepare for such a situation.

As Chen Chu shifted the blame to Liu Kuan, it became difficult to proceed any further for the time being. After all, Liu Kuan was now gravely injured and lying on the bed, his consciousness hardly clear. It wouldn’t be right to question him.

Han Yu hadn’t really expected to get a straight answer from Liu Kuan, his move was meant to shift the scene, and give Liu Xiu more control rather than being cornered into reacting because of the situation Liu Kuan had created. Of course, he also gave Yin Shi a hand.

Liu Xiu, of course, understood Han Yu’s intentions: “Very well, let us leave this matter as it is for now. Xiu Qi is right; this could very well be another trap set by our enemies, aiming to cause dissension among us. We must be careful and prudent. So until Liu Zuoling’s condition improves and he can clarify this matter, we should not take any other action. All will be addressed after Liu Zuoling explains. Liu Zuoling has already suffered greatly at the hands of our foes, and you all are long-standing subordinates who have followed me for many years. I do not wish to see the same happen to any of you.”

The Generals also found Liu Xiu’s words to make sense: “My Lord is correct, we should be prudent.”

Chen Chu did not expect Han Yu’s few simple words to shatter the advantageous situation that Liu Kuan had fought so hard to create. Although he seethed inwardly, he was helpless. Even though Liu Xiu said he would get to the bottom of things once Liu Kuan awoke, no one was naive. Even Chen Chu, not the brightest among them, understood that the issue of their alleged assassination would likely not be resolved.

“General Han, a moment please!” With the Generals dispersed and Han Yu leaving the tent, he had not gone far when Yin Shi called out to him.