Chapter 465 - Chapter 465: Chapter 472: Going All Out (1/2)
Chapter 465: Chapter 472: Going All Out
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Back in Yiyang, with the information in hand, Han Yu felt some unease. Though they had won the battle, causing the Imperial Court’s forces to suffer heavy losses and requiring some time to recuperate, it did not mean they could rest on their laurels. However, Zhao Fan’s recent silence troubled him—it was too quiet, almost conspiratorially so.
“Zhao Fan has made a Military Order in front of Wang Mang; he can’t just retreat or surrender. If there had been any movement, it would’ve been normal, but no movement suggests that either you haven’t observed closely enough or they’re brewing a larger plot.”
Hearing this from Han Yu, his subordinates, who had been somewhat relaxed, tensed up. If the Master had said so, there must be a reason. It seemed they could not let their guard down but rather needed to be more vigilant and watchful of the enemy’s moves, perhaps even send someone to infiltrate and gather intelligence?
“General Han’s words ring true. I will immediately dispatch more men to spy on the enemy’s movements. We can’t let their scheme succeed.”
After the servant departed, Han Yu inquired about the situation in their own camp, “In these past days, have there been any developments from Chen Chu and Liu Kuan’s side?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary. Liu Kuan has always been quiet. It’s Chen Chu who was quite active before but has now quieted down and suddenly become obedient, which I find abnormal. I’ve increased surveillance on them, but so far, nothing amiss has been detected.” Han Yu had assigned his most trusted and capable men to watch those two spies, confident not only in their loyalty but also in their abilities.
Han Yu’s frown deepened—the less they found, the more it proved that the enemy was planning something significant. But all the information gathered from various sources offered no leads. There were several small moves from Yin Shi’s side, all targeting Chen Chu and Liu Kuan.
Liu Xiu had no evidence and was unwilling to take further action against Chen Chu and Liu Kuan. Yin Shi, though, wanted to eliminate these spies quietly. To him, evidence didn’t matter; with so many signs pointing to their guilt, he couldn’t leave them be. There’s only so long one can play the thief without getting caught.
Spies good enough to be sent by the enemy and to gain Liu Xiu’s trust were no simpletons. Knowing they were suspected, they had taken precautions. Despite Yin Shi’s ruthless and unforgiving methods, both spies managed to survive, sustaining only minor injuries.
“Brother Liu, we’ve been exposed. We can’t stay with Liu Xiu any longer. We should leave as soon as possible. If Liu Xiu’s first assassination attempt failed, there will be a second and third. We might not be so lucky next time.” Chen Chu was less astute than Liu Kuan. Panicking, he wanted to flee back, thinking Liu Xiu was settling scores after uncovering the truth.
“No, we can’t just leave. Not only is it unclear who was behind this attack, but if we flee in such a disgraceful manner, do you think we’ll be welcomed? We might just be discarded,” argued Liu Kuan. He worried about his safety, of course, but he had a clearer view of the situation. He hadn’t betrayed Liu Xiu just to survive; he sought power and profit. What would returning yield him, other than sparing his life?
“Being discarded is still better than losing one’s life. I can’t continue like this, living in constant fear. I am leaving for the other side immediately. If you’re not coming, you can stay here by yourself!” Chen Chu spoke irritably, disregarding everything else.
“Stop right there! Do you think you can really make it if you just walk away? Liu Xiu’s men will likely capture you halfway, and who knows what fate you’ll meet then!” Liu Kuan said angrily. He wouldn’t bother with such a fool if not for the risk of Chen Chu’s recklessness affecting him.