Chapter 433 - Chapter 433: Chapter 440: Being Stopped by Someone (1/2)

Chapter 433: Chapter 440: Being Stopped by Someone

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“Xiu Qi indeed sees clearly. It turns out that Wang Mang’s intentions are truly insidious. Had it not been for your reminder, we would have nearly neglected the important matters, focusing solely on the issue of the Marquis Bei’an, even risking discord and turning on each other. That indeed would have played right into Wang Mang’s scheme,” said Liu Xiu, his satisfaction with Han Yu growing. Among the many present just now, all were preoccupied with how to scheme against each other and secure their own interests, lost in trivial matters without noticing such a crucial point. Even Yin Shi, shrewd and calculating though he is, was only thinking about how to deal with Han Yu, without focusing on what truly mattered.

Han Yu does not like to speak of insubstantial things. Since Liu Xiu had realized the situation, he further said, “Now that we are aware, we should be on our guard. Let us not concern ourselves with the affairs of Chang’an for now. Instead, let us consider how to respond should the Imperial Court’s troops arrive. Wang Mang has gone to great lengths to target us, and his forces will certainly not be small.”

Chen Li felt some happiness when she saw Han Yu, although she knew that the main reason for his visit was unlikely because of her, but for his daughter-in-law. Nonetheless, his presence was his presence, and compared to Liu Xiu, Han Yu was the epitome of a ‘good man’, devoted to his wife with unwavering loyalty, and also capable. The only flaw was his lack of ambition. Despite having more power and resources at his disposal than Liu Xiu, he still chose to serve Liu Xiu loyally. But it was such a man who truly appreciated.

Since Han Yu had entered, he had been talking with Liu Xiu and Chen Li hadn’t found the opportunity to cut in, fearing she might interrupt them. Now, finally having her chance to speak, she said, “Big Brother Han is right. I think the same. My caravan arriving from Chang’an brought news that the imperial court army has already set out and is on its way, and their momentum is vast, not like the minor skirmishes before. By the looks of it, they might attack Yiyang soon without much delay. We should put more thought into dealing with the imperial court army, rather than wasting our thoughts on crooked schemes.”

Chen Li did not forget to take a few digs, and everyone in the room knew who she was targeting, a hint for Han Yu as well.

Yin Shi found the amicable interaction between Liu Xiu and Han Yu, with their past grievances seemingly dismissed, quite an eyesore. Being incessantly mocked by Chen Li only darkened his expression despite his efforts to conceal it.

“Enough, let’s not talk about these trivial matters anymore. Let’s discuss how we should deal with the imperial court’s troops. Whoever targets their own people again, don’t blame me for being impolite,” Liu Xiu warned somewhat sternly, a signal for Chen Li to restrain herself but also an indirect caution to Yin Shi. By this point, Liu Xiu had completely abandoned his prior notions. Persisting in those ideas would only lead to loss without gain and cause Han Yu to turn against him. Yin Shi clearly had other plans and might stir trouble, which could ruin Liu Xiu’s arrangements.

“If we’re not talking, then we’re not. Anyway, whoever has done what they know well themselves, hmph!” Chen Li murmured after being stopped by Liu Xiu. Her voice was low, but most people present were trained in the martial arts and heard her clearly. Liu Xiu was somewhat helpless, but after all, Chen Li was a woman, and it was normal for her to be somewhat petty.

Yin Shi, despite his anger for failing to weaken Han Yu’s influence and drive a deeper wedge between Liu Xiu and Han Yu, realized that things could no longer proceed as he envisioned. Besides, the imperial court’s army would arrive in just a few days. Having pledged allegiance to Liu Xiu and given his sister in marriage to unite with Liu Xiu, he was tethered to Liu Xiu’s fate; if Liu Xiu fell, he would be unlucky too. Thus, even though he felt unsatisfied inside, he refrained from causing further trouble, particularly after Liu Xiu’s warning.

With that, everyone discussed the matter for an entire afternoon until dusk fell, and only then did they leave the Conference Hall.