Chapter 489: 496: Don't Be Impulsive

“Xiu Qi, don’t be impulsive, you must stay calm. What’s done is done, and acting on impulse will only play into Zhao Fan’s trap. If we let that scoundrel take advantage of this situation to deal with us, wouldn’t we betray Madam Ling’s kindness and make her sacrifice in vain?” Liu Xiu inwardly criticized Han Yu’s illogical reasoning, having never heard of using luck in such a way. However, he couldn’t speak his mind at this moment; Han Yu was extremely agitated and could not be provoked. Liu Xiu tried to pacify Han Yu by invoking Su Wenyue. Han Yu was a crucial pillar for their side—if Han Yu left, Liu Xiu was unsure if he could defeat Zhao Fan. Most importantly, Han Yu controlled his own troops, leaving Liu Xiu without command authority.

Han Yu heard Liu Xiu’s attempt to dissuade him but remained indifferent. The supposed betrayal of his wife’s intentions and allowing her sacrifice to be in vain were just excuses they were using to make him stay. He knew why they wanted him to stay. If he truly cared only about his career, he might have been persuaded. Unfortunately, nothing was more important to him than his wife, and nothing could compete with his determination to rescue her. If his delay missed the best chance to save his wife, he would be eternally regretful. Regardless of whether his wife was still alive, he had to go and bring her back himself.

Han Yu certainly understood the implicit meaning in Liu Xiu’s words and shook his head resolutely, “You don’t need to persuade me. My mind is made up and will not change. In my eyes, nothing is more important than my wife. Besides, certain matters don’t require my presence.”

But they indeed needed him; no one else could take Han Yu’s place. Liu Xiu felt like he wanted to vomit blood—he had expended so much effort to no avail. Han Yu actually valued his wife so greatly. Liu Xiu even thought that the only reason Han Yu could remain so composed was that a ludicrous idea upheld him; otherwise, he might have done something unpredictable.

People who could do so much for their wives usually lacked ambition. If it had been in the past, Liu Xiu would have been pleased because it meant Han Yu had no designs on his position. Unfortunately, it was precisely the wrong time now.

“Xiu Qi, with such a high cliff, Madam Ling’s chances of survival are slim. To stake everything for such a fleeting hope could lead to dire consequences. I don’t want you to have regrets later. Zhao Fan must have received the news by now and could be secretly watching our every move. Any opportunity will be exploited by them. Though I don’t want to admit it, this side truly cannot do without you. No one else can replace you,” Liu Xiu said earnestly, hoping to sway Han Yu. It was difficult for anyone to admit such a thing, but Liu Xiu was not so petty and stated the facts plainly, hoping to have an effect.

By now, Yin Shi also understood the situation and hurried over, just learning of Han Yu’s intention to leave to find his wife. Naturally, Yin Shi strongly urged against it—during this critical period, their side could not afford to lose Han Yu, their pillar.

“You all don’t need to persuade me. I understand everything; it’s just that I cannot get past this myself. Until I find my wife, even if I stay, I’ll have no heart for anything else. Such a state will only do harm. Besides, my wife is waiting for me to save her. I will not change my mind!” Having made up his mind, Han Yu had thought everything through clearly. Despite Liu Xiu and Yin Shi talking their heads off, his resolution did not waver but instead reassured Liu Xiu.

“My Lord, rest assured. Although I’m leaving, my troops will remain, except for my personal Guards. I’m not taking anyone else with me. They are all at your command—here are the Military Token and the token.” Han Yu took out two items and handed them to Liu Xiu.

“You’re really going to give these to me?!” Liu Xiu was surprised that Han Yu would do such a thing. After all, these troops belonged entirely to Han Yu. Even though Han Yu had allied with him, Han Yu had complete control over their deployment, which secured his position. Now Han Yu was handing them over without hesitation—it was a sign of complete trust or perhaps a lack of concern for military power.

Regardless of the reason, Liu Xiu felt ashamed for having doubted Han Yu’s intentions in joining him. He would not act impulsively; if Han Yu truly was leaving, then he indeed needed these tokens, and he reached out to accept them.

“Alright, since you’re so determined, I won’t stop you anymore. I hope you find Madam Ling soon. If, perchance, something happens to her, you…”

Liu Xiu hadn’t finished speaking when Han Yu interrupted him. The last thing Han Yu wanted to hear at this time were words and speculations that boded ill for his wife. If this person were anyone other than Liu Xiu, he might have reacted strongly.

“There won’t be a ‘what if.’ My wife will be alright, and I will bring her back,” Han Yu insisted with certainty, almost obsessively.

Seeing Han Yu fall silent like this, Liu Xiu realized how stubborn Han Yu was. Now, it seemed that Han Yu wasn’t open to any opposing arguments. Liu Xiu could only say, “May fortune favor the brave. I believe Madam Ling will return safely. Just make sure you are careful and take plenty of people with you.”

Han Yu nodded, “My Lord, don’t worry. I will.”

Liu Xiu really let Han Yu leave. Yin Shi watched in disbelief but said nothing more—the decision was made, and Han Yu was beyond Luo’s persuasion. Plus, he had some complex thoughts of his own. Although he knew they needed Han Yu and couldn’t afford to let him go, another part of him felt that Han Yu’s departure might be a good thing. Han Yu had previously overshadowed his own talents; without Han Yu, there might be a chance for him to shine. After all, Han Yu left behind the Military Token and the token.

“My Lord, the situation is urgent, and my wife is waiting. I must not delay any longer—I must take my leave!” With that, Han Yu left the tent without hesitation.

Liu Xiu quickly followed, saying with deep concern, “Xiu Qi, be sure to stay safe. Whatever happens, I’ll be waiting for your return!”

Liu Xiu’s trust in Han Yu deepened further, but this time, Yin Shi did not feel the same envy as before. From Han Yu’s actions, Yin Shi understood what Liu Xiu had seen: Han Yu was the kind of person willing to give up everything for his wife and thus posed no threat. Filled with ambition, Yin Shi was intent on seizing the opportunity to make a name for himself in Liu Xiu’s eyes. With Han Yu gone, Liu Xiu, lacking other suitable candidates, would surely rely heavily on him. He resolved to establish his prestige in the army and lay down a solid foundation.