Chapter 466 - Chapter 466: Chapter 473 (2/2)
“Why say such things, as if My Lord is not clear in his own heart? I did not wish to make such a big fuss over things and would have endured any mistreatment, so long as it served My Lord’s greater purpose. But I couldn’t believe someone would be so ruthless as to plan such a sinister and vicious attack, lying in ambush to take my life. I, Liu Kuan, am a military officer who should die on the battlefield, not from the machinations and plots of my own people!”
Liu Xiu, even with his good patience, did not look pleased facing Liu Kuan, especially since he harbored suspicions about Chen Chu and Liu Kuan. Speaking with both authority and displeasure, he said, “Enough, everything should have a limit. With an external enemy upon us, now is not the time for internal chaos. You both are long-time followers by my side; can’t you differentiate between what’s more important?”
“My Lord, what’s minor and what’s major entirely depends on how one measures it. Precisely because we face a great enemy, some things must be made clear. Otherwise, wouldn’t it give the enemy an opportunity to exploit? Only with internal unity and stability can we focus our combined efforts on the external threat.”
Today, Liu Kuan was prepared to lay all his cards on the table, instead of letting Liu Xiu harbor suspicions inside, he preferred to speak openly. He was very aware that Liu Xiu definitely had no conclusive evidence of his betrayal, otherwise his attitude towards him today would not have been so benign. The process of breaking and rebuilding can only start after things have been torn apart and can then be rebuilt on a new foundation.
That’s why Liu Kuan made such a big fuss, even if Liu Xiu indeed had suspicions about him. With no evidence in Liu Xiu’s hands, he couldn’t just do whatever he wanted, especially with the eyes of many watching. Of course, Liu Kuan hoped that after today’s incident, any doubts about him would be dispelled.
“Well then, if that’s the case, say all you wish to say. I really want to see who would be so bold as to commit such fratricidal acts,” Liu Xiu said indiscernibly, seeing that Chen Chu and Liu Kuan were determined to escalate the issue, with so many generals watching, he could no longer stop it. However, he was curious to see what tricks these two would pull next.
When Liu Xiu spoke these words, Yin Shi’s face showed a trace of discomfort, but he quickly concealed it. If one weren’t looking closely, it would have gone unnoticed. Han Yu had suspicions, so he had been observing carefully all along and did not miss Yin Shi’s subtle reaction. Many things were already clear in his mind.
“My Lord, this incident must have been orchestrated by Han Yu. Though I have no evidence, aside from Han Yu, I can’t think of anyone else capable of such a deed. It must have been him,” spoke Chen Chu, immediately pointing the finger at Han Yu upon Liu Xiu’s prompting.
Yin Shi, initially tense, relaxed upon hearing Chen Chu point at Han Yu. He thought the killers sent after Chen Chu and Liu Kuan could be messy, leaving behind evidence or clues, leading to their brazen approach to Liu Xiu, even drawing most of the generals in the army as witnesses. But it turned out not to be the case—it was a setup against Han Yu.
As Yin Shi breathed a sigh of relief, he also felt some schadenfreude. Indeed, Han Yu was a man who drew ire, and considering the events of that day, Yin Shi had suspected what Han Yu might have said in front of Liu Xiu. No wonder Chen Chu and Liu Kuan tried to pin everything on Han Yu.
Actually, most present were surprised to hear Chen Chu directing the situation towards Han Yu, since after leading them through several successful battles, Han Yu’s momentum and status in the eyes of the people had risen, and he was regarded with admiration by many.
Hearing Chen Chu suddenly accuse him, Han Yu was slightly taken aback, but quickly understood the reason behind it.