Chapter 432 - Chapter 432: Chapter 439: The True Vulnerability (1/2)
Chapter 432: Chapter 439: The True Vulnerability
Han Yu’s first reaction upon hearing Liu Xiu’s words was that Liu Xiu had not reached an agreement with Chen Li, but had chosen to trust him instead. Despite the fragile trust between them, Liu Xiu still took a risk to trust him. Although he didn’t know which aspect influenced Liu Xiu’s decision, at the very least, the outcome was such. Otherwise, Liu Xiu wouldn’t have mentioned the Marquis Bei’an Mansion so openly. Yin Shi was good at masking his emotions, yet a gloomy air still surrounded him, indicating that his views were at odds with Liu Xi’s.
The most important thing for Han Yu was that he could sense sincerity in Liu Xiu’s words—it was a good sign. Liu Xiu might have his reasons for not fully trusting him, but to have come this far, to be trying to trust him, showed he was being open-minded. Trust wasn’t something that could be established overnight; it was a good start. Since he had chosen Liu Xiu as his leader, Han Yu would ensure that Liu Xiu’s trust in him would grow bit by bit.
“Thank you for Uncle Wen’s kindness and concern. The Su Family’s eldest son, Su Hengyi, has already rushed to Chang’an. As for the rescue mission, the villain Wang Mang must have set his traps by now, waiting. Currently, there is no detailed rescue plan. We can only adapt as the situation unfolds.”
“Do you need me to send some men to assist you? Though I’m eager to help, Chang’an is complex. Acting hastily may spoil things. If needed, I can provide men for you to deploy, which would be more appropriate. Also, I have some old friends in Chang’an; perhaps they could assist?”
Liu Xiu’s offer came from a suggestion by Yin Shi, who had advised him to be prepared, fearing Yin Shi might stubbornly act on this matter and cause discord between him and Han Yu.
In truth, Liu Xiu might have noticed Yin Shi’s attitude towards Han Yu, hence his decision to bring Yin Shi along, ensuring they wouldn’t conspire together. He was using a balanced strategy to keep Han Yu’s power in check with Yin Shi’s.
However, Liu Xiu didn’t particularly like Yin Shi’s methods—too scheming. Without a comparison, one could see him as capable, but Han Yu provided that comparison, making Yin Shi seem inferior. It was no wonder Yin Shi wanted to harm Han Yu.
Han Yu subtly glanced at Yin Shi when he heard Liu Xiu’s words, suspecting Yin Shi had concocted some sinister scheme, likely against himself, prompting Liu Xiu to speak up. Nonetheless, he was prepared.
“Uncle Wen, thank you for your kindness, but it is not needed for the time being. Wang Mang has too much power in Chang’an, almost absolute control, with a grip on the Imperial Court. A frontal confrontation would be impossible, no matter how many people we send. Those in the court fear Wang Mang’s power and the repercussions to their families. It’s doubtful they’d be willing to sincerely help.”
“What should be done then? A successful rescue of Marquis Bei’an will require sufficient manpower. He can’t just be left to Wang Mang.”
Liu Xiu knew what Han Yu spoke was the truth and became increasingly worried. A dark thought involuntarily crossed his mind—could Han Yu be considering defecting to Wang Mang?