Chapter 430 - Chapter 430: Chapter 437: A Piece of Kindness (1/2)
Chapter 430: Chapter 437: A Piece of Kindness
Chen Li spoke with refreshing directness, making that group of self-important men feel ashamed of undervaluing her. If she didn’t take advantage of the situation to assert herself, she would be letting herself down. Her argument was so compelling that it left everyone feeling quite embarrassed.
Since these people followed Liu Xiu, most were those he valued, with fairly decent character. Previously, instigated by Yin Shi and driven by their own interests, they had acted against their conscience. Now, reflecting on their words, they felt some shame and did not dare to refute Chen Li’s remarks.
Liu Xiu also found Chen Li’s words reasonable and was quite satisfied with the outcome, feeling somewhat relieved. If he did act on his concerns, his conscience would be troubled, and he would feel guilty and uneasy around Han Yu. The current Liu Xiu was still young and not yet tainted by the dark and cunning nature of politics, his heart maintaining its goodness rather than being a king who manipulated politics from on high.
Upon hearing Chen Li’s “righteous words,” Yin Shi’s expression darkened considerably. This woman was clearly here to thwart his plans. He had managed to persuade a few people to side with him and speak on his behalf, aiming to convince Liu Xiu to follow his advice. Now silenced by Chen Li’s impassioned speech, especially a few amongst them who even showed signs of agreement and regret, Yin Shi was livid with anger.
“Absolute nonsense! A woman like you, with no understanding of major affairs beyond the home front, should not spout nonsense. How could the loyalty of one man compare to Uncle Wen’s grand ambitions? ‘Without ruthlessness, there’s no great man.’ Uncle Wen, if you wish to achieve great things, you cannot afford the compassion of a woman. Otherwise, by the time Han Yu is coerced by the Imperial Court into doing something wrong, it will be too late!” Yin Shi glaringly retorted to Chen Li.
Chen Li, equally unyielding, retorted, “What do you mean nonsense? I am speaking sense, while you preach fallacies. You disregard the life and death of others for your own benefit, lacking any vision! What does ‘Without ruthlessness, there’s no great man’ even mean? A gentleman acts by principle—what’s right and what’s not. If one engages in despicable acts just to achieve personal gains, even if successful, what then? To be remembered with a legacy of disgrace, would that make you proud?!”
Conspiracy, when brought to light, could never stand against reason. Regardless of Yin Shi’s eloquence, he was rendered speechless by Chen Li’s piercing words.
Seeing Yin Shi speechless and fuming, Chen Li felt an immense sense of satisfaction. It wasn’t that she possessed a strict sense of right and wrong; if it served her interests, what harm was there in wrongdoing? After all, she wouldn’t have entertained the notion of pursuing Han Yu, a married man, otherwise. Nonetheless, Chen Li, though no paragon of virtue, couldn’t compare to Yin Shi’s malevolence.
When Liu Xiu saw the dispute between Chen Li and Yin Shi settling, he stepped in to mediate, as both individuals were still useful to him.
“Enough, let’s stop arguing. We’re all on the same side; there’s no sense in such heated conflict. Regarding what you both said—each of you has a point. There’s no absolute right or wrong here, just different perspectives. Moreover, I’ve already made my decision, so there’s no need for further discussion,” Liu Xiu declared.
Chen Li and Yin Shi, both eager to continue, calmed down upon hearing that Liu Xiu had already decided, all ears for what he would say next.
Liu Xiu didn’t beat around the bush and announced his decision, “I, Liu Xiu, have always acted with integrity, especially towards my own people. I absolutely will not engage in any underhanded or sinister schemes. Even if Xiu Qi joined me with other intentions, he has been of great help and earnestly dutiful since following me. On this grounds alone, I cannot betray him. Why can’t things be discussed openly and resolved fairly? I was mistaken earlier, which led to such misunderstandings.”
“The master is wise!”