Chapter 467 - Chapter 467: Chapter 474: Increased Level of Crime (2/2)
“Well then, Mr. Cheng, weren’t you quite certain in your accusations? Why are you silent now? Could it be that General Han’s words have struck a nerve, and you, in fact, lack evidence and simply wish to take this opportunity to cause trouble?” Han Yu saw that Chen Chu remained quiet and showed no intention of letting it go. He questioned even more harshly; if Chen Chu and Liu Kuan were not taught a lesson now, anyone might dare target him in the future.
“I, I…” Chen Chu was already flustered, and being interrogated so harshly by Han Yu, he stumbled over his words. Were it not for the rational part of his mind holding on, he would have almost knelt before Han Yu. Han Yu indeed lived up to his reputation as the Iron-blooded general — that menacing aura and authority were something Chen Chu couldn’t even sense from Liu Xiu.
Seeing Chen Chu at a loss for words under Han Yu’s interrogation and the situation turning increasingly unfavorable for them, Liu Kuan had no choice but to take matters into his own hands. He gave a respectful gesture to Han Yu: “General Han, I ask for your understanding. Chen Chu was just momentarily outraged, and could not believe that General Han would commit such acts, so he had approached My Lord to verify the facts, hoping to confirm General Han’s innocence. Please forgive our offense, and we beseech My Lord to apprehend the true culprit. We implore General Han’s forgiveness for our rudeness.”
“Is that so?” Han Yu looked at Liu Kuan with a smile that was not quite a smile, casting a sharp, pressuring glance at him. Though Liu Kuan was mentally strong, he could not help but break into a sweat, regretting ever involving Han Yu. Even if Liu Xiu’s suspicion of him largely resulted from Han Yu’s influence, it was best to avoid such a fearsome deity.
“Of course, General Han, I would not dare deceive you with the formidable presence you command. My accusations arose from believing what others had slandered, and this led to my misunderstanding of General Han,” Liu Kuan said, stiffening his resolve, even as he regretted his actions inside. He could only try to mitigate the damage by steering the situation in a direction beneficial to himself.
“What rumors?” Liu Xiu, regardless of his true thoughts, inquired earnestly upon hearing Liu Kuan’s remark. Those present were also curious about the kind of rumors that had managed to shift Liu Kuan’s and Chen Chu’s focus onto Han Yu.
“Replying to My Lord, someone claimed that General Han was spreading falsehoods before My Lord, accusing me and Mr. Liu Zuoling of being traitors, leading to the unfortunate incident that befell us. Hence, we initially thought it was General Han’s doing. It wasn’t our intention to offend General Han, and we beseech My Lord to reflect on our unwavering loyalty and the fact that we nearly lost our lives, to forgive us this once,” Liu Kuan said, his face displaying the same distressed and wronged expression as before.
“Are you suggesting Han Yu suspects you of being traitors?” Liu Xiu’s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze towards Liu Kuan inscrutable.
Upon hearing the words “traitor,” everyone’s expressions changed, casting varied looks at Liu Kuan — most full of suspicion and guard. Indeed, the term “traitor” never fails to carry a heavy connotation.
Liu Kuan straightened his back, seemingly unaffected by the doubts cast upon him, and looked calmly at Liu Xiu.