Chapter 468 - Chapter 468: Chapter 475: No Reason (2/2)
“Liu Zuoling needn’t blame himself. It’s normal not to notice when the enemy is so sinister and deceitful. Even us, had it not been for Liu Zuoling’s reminder, almost fell for the enemy’s plot.”
Yin Shi snorted coldly from the side: “With Liu Zuoling having said everything, what’s left for us to say? How do you intend to prove the truth of these unsubstantiated claims?”
“Yin Brother, what are you talking about? Don’t you know what kind of person Brother Liu is? He wouldn’t deceive us.” The person speaking had a good relationship with both Yin Shi and Liu Kuan on normal days. Hearing Yin Shi say this, he tried to mediate, also puzzled by Yin Shi’s sudden opposition to Liu Kuan.
“They say ‘to know the face but not the heart.’ Indeed, I really don’t know what kind of person Liu Zuoling is,” Yin Shi retorted with a snort, becoming more convinced of Liu Kuan’s craftiness. He had never noticed Liu Kuan being so manipulative; perhaps Liu Kuan had deliberately crafted that facade to beguile him.
Hearing Yin Shi’s words, Liu Kuan wasn’t annoyed but seemed even more regretful: “It’s my fault for not capturing those rumor-spreading spies in time. Lord Yin’s suspicions are not without reason. But as things stand, there’s no point in arguing. The most important thing is that we must unite and not fall into the enemy’s trap.”
Liu Kuan was, in fact, somewhat surprised—he hadn’t expected to be confronted by Han Yu first, but by Yin Shi. His mind raced with thoughts. Could the mastermind behind this assassination not be Liu Xiu or Han Yu but Yin Shi?
Considering the various suspicions before and after the event, Liu Kuan suddenly felt this unlikely conclusion might actually be possible. But for what reason would Yin Shi do this? They always got along under the guise of flattery and meeting, so he couldn’t understand why Yin Shi would act this way. However, it wasn’t the time to delve into it. Today’s matter needed a good resolution.
“My Lord, Lord Yin speaks truly. I have no evidence for this matter. Even with a clear conscience, I can’t prove my innocence, but with the enemy at our doorstep, suspicion among colleagues is a grave taboo. If My Lord has doubts, I am willing to prove my innocence,” Liu Kuan said, his words carrying a sense of conviction and resolution.
At Liu Kuan’s statement, everyone looked to Liu Xiu, curious about how he would decide.
Liu Xiu’s gaze on Liu Kuan was complex. This longtime companion was full of surprises, his behavior so open and honest. If he hadn’t already calculated and weighed the consequences internally, Liu Xiu would almost have believed him.
“Indeed, I cannot simply take your word for it. Tell me, how do you intend to prove your innocence?” Liu Xiu was curious to see what unexpected move Liu Kuan might make.
Liu Kuan, not at all surprised by Liu Xiu’s question, chuckled inwardly—Liu Xiu indeed doubted him. Without saying another word, he acted decisively; he suddenly knelt down and banged his head on the ground several times in a solemn kowtow, leaving everyone puzzled and perplexed. Then, he abruptly drew his sword from his waist.
“Liu Kuan, what are you doing?!” Everyone was startled by Liu Kuan’s actions.
Han Yu was the first to react, immediately drawing his sword as well, taking a protective stance in front of Liu Xiu.