Chapter 561 - Chapter 561: Chapter 567: Caught up by Someone (1/2)
Chapter 561: Chapter 567: Caught up by Someone
“Send someone after them! Alive, I want the person; dead, I want the body. No matter what, Liu Xiu must be brought back to me—I’m still counting on presenting Liu Xiu’s head to the Prime Minister to claim my reward. We cannot let Liu Xiu escape!” Zhao Fan spoke almost without thinking. Liu Xiu was the leader of the rebels, and even though Zhao Fan had now taken Yiyang City, he would still be blamed by the Prime Minister if he let Liu Xiu get away.
“Yes, Master, I will immediately lead people in pursuit and make sure to bring Liu Xiu back!”
“Send several troops, and spread the word that whoever captures Liu Xiu will be richly rewarded. They’ll not only get silver but also a promotion in rank,” Zhang Meng added from the side. He wanted to boost the search efforts for Liu Xiu; after all, nothing inspires like the prospect of wealth and promotions.
As expected, his subordinate’s eyes lit up at Zhang Meng’s words, and his voice grew louder: “Yes, Master, I will make arrangements immediately.”
Liu Xiu had not left Yiyang Prefecture long with his talents before they were pursued. The evacuation was so hasty and ill-prepared that the pursuers quickly picked up their trail.
“My Lord, we have pursuers behind us. Shall we split our forces in two? I will lead some troops to draw the pursuers away.”
Liu Xiu knew this was not the time for fastidiousness. If he fell into the Imperial Court’s hands, the consequence would be dire. He nodded in agreement: “Be safe, take care! I have taken note of your loyal protection. Should the day come, I will surely repay you!”
The enemy was fast approaching, and Liu Xi had no time to delay. After speaking, he led another group of soldiers along a narrow path to escape.
Han Yu had originally estimated that Yiyang City could hold out for another day or two. Although Liu Xiu and Yin Shi were not as skilled in military strategy as he was, they should have been a match for Zhao Fan and thus wouldn’t fare so badly. Little did he know that he would hear news of Yiyang City’s fall halfway there.
“How could it be so quick! Is there some insider scheme at play?” Han Yu asked with a furrowed brow. He knew the abilities of Liu Xiu and Yin Shi, which is why he posed the question. In his heart, he had already guessed at the reason.
“It was the traitor Liu Kuan, who colluded with the enemy and suggested from within to open the city gate amidst the chaos, allowing the enemy to enter. We were already at a disadvantage; naturally, we could not resist. In the end, My Lord, with his close followers and the remaining troops, made a swift retreat, keeping out of Zhao Fan’s clutches. However, Zhao Fan is now sending men far and wide to capture My Lord. Master, what should we do now? Should we continue our journey?”
Zhai Li briefly described the sequence of events that had led to the current situation before asking Han Yu about his plans. Actually, in his heart, Zhai Li had never thought highly of Liu Xiu. Even though Liu Xiu had some capability and measure, he couldn’t compare to Han Yu, not to mention subsequent events which only enhanced Zhai Li’s dissatisfaction. He couldn’t understand why his master would forsake his advantages and not claim leadership for himself, instead choosing to follow Liu Xiu—which he believed was not worth it.
But the thoughts of his master were not for him to guess. All he could do was to follow. Now, with things having come this far, Zhai Li wished that Han Yu would not choose Liu Xiu, given that Liu Xiu was no longer as strong as he once was.