Chapter 460 - Chapter 460: Chapter 647: No Turning Back (1/2)

Chapter 460: Chapter 647: No Turning Back

“Uncle Wen, there’s no need to be kind and gentle when dealing with such traitors; otherwise, the only one who gets hurt is oneself.”

“I’m well aware of that. There’s no need to discuss this matter further. Let’s talk about the food and provisions instead; that’s what’s truly urgent.” Liu Xiu had already made up his mind and didn’t even listen to Han Yu’s words, let alone those of Yin Shi. It was just that he still held onto benevolence and righteousness, and couldn’t bring himself to act ruthlessly without concrete evidence when it was all just suspicion.

Seeing Liu Xiu act this way, Yin Shi felt powerless, but he would not allow anyone who threatened his interests to exist. Since Liu Xiu wouldn’t act, it was up to him to take action in private.

Having left Liu Xiu’s tent, Liu Kuan went straight back to his own quarters without stopping anywhere. He couldn’t help but feel paranoid, as if someone was constantly watching him, making him afraid to make any move. Yet, Liu Kuan was no ordinary person; otherwise, he wouldn’t have won Liu Xiu’s trust before. Despite his impatience, he managed to remain calm and collected.

After some careful thought, Liu Kuan was confident that he had left no trails behind. Even if Liu Xiu and Han Yu had found something questionable, Liu Kuan believed they had no evidence. If they did, their attitude toward him would be more than just suspicious. Having followed Liu Xiu for so long, he also understood Liu Xiu’s character; without solid evidence, Liu Xiu was not likely to take action against him. Therefore, the best plan for him now was to avoid making any further mistakes.

Yin Shi discussed the matter of food and provisions with Liu Xiu. Although Liu Xiu was not very worried about it, he still found it troubling. In the past, he mainly relied on donations from local tycoons and gentry, or on arrangements similar to those with Chen Li, where one side needed funds to gather military rations, and the other needed Liu Xiu as a backer. Later, when the Su Family sided with Liu Xiu, their substantial strength meant that he no longer had to worry about these matters, entrusting the Su Family with the logistics. However, with the ongoing war, the consumption of food and provisions had been rapidly increasing. Even the Su Family’s considerable resources could not sustain such huge consumption, so it seems a discussion with Su Hengxuan about this matter was necessary.

Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Su Hengyi had hurriedly traveled from Yiyang to a small town near Chang’an City. They disguised themselves before entering the city, not expecting the defenses of Chang’an City to be so strict. They faced rigorous scrutiny as soon as they entered, and had it not been for Su Hengyi’s cautious and thorough preparations, they would have been caught by Wang Mang’s men at the first checkpoint.

“Brother Yi, it’s fortunate that you were well-prepared in advance. Chang’an is the stronghold of that traitorous Wang Mang; if his men had discovered us, we would have faced trouble today,” Feng Ruolin said with a sense of relief, previously thinking that Su Hengyi had been too cautious.

It did not surprise Su Hengyi that Wang Mang had assembled such forces. The Imperial Court’s army had already set off towards Yiyang Prefecture, and with Han Yu being Liu Xiu’s leading general, it makes sense that part of the reason Wang Mang targeted the Marquis Bei’an Mansion was because of him. No wonder Wang Mang had put up such a grand display to welcome them.

“It seems our journey will be more difficult than expected, and Wang Mang probably wants to capture us, not just to intimidate others with the blood of the Marquis Bei’an Mansion; otherwise, he wouldn’t have put in so much effort.” Su Hengyi expressed his concerns gravely. Just the scale of today’s deployment made him doubt if their own resources, even with added assistance from the Jianghu, would be enough to rescue the captives.

“Husband, don’t worry. Even though Wang Mang’s arrangements are meticulous, there will always be loopholes to exploit, and we will surely rescue them,” Feng Ruolin said, knowing her husband’s worries.