Chapter 427 - Chapter 427: Chapter 434: Making an Earlier Decision (2/2)
After Yin Shi spoke, seeing the diverse reactions, Liu Xiu looked hesitant and uncertain, continuing, “Uncle Wen, those who achieve great things do not fuss over small matters. It’s not that we do not wish to support General Han, but there are things that are feasible and things that are not. Trying to rescue people from Chang’an’s Prison is practically impossible. Therefore, we must sacrifice the few to protect the many. Individuals’ interests are trivial and cannot jeopardize the greater good.”
“Third Young Master, Brother Yin is right. Now is the time for you to make a tough decision. If it comes to what we foresee, it will be too late to regret later.” Human nature is selfish, and those present can be trusted by Liu Xiu. Few had close ties with Han Yu, and even those with friendships maintained them privately. Knowing Liu Xiu’s reservations, Han Yu would not openly court Liu Xiu’s confidants, and with their own interests at stake, most people supported the proposal Yin Shi made, even knowing it to be unkind.
“But this seems unfair to Xiu Qi; after all, those are his wife’s eldest uncle’s people. If Brother Han knew about this, I’m afraid he, too, might harbour grudges,” Liu Xiu hesitated, for such action contravened the morality he had always upheld.
“Uncle Wen has an open mind and values loyalty, which I admire. Yet Han Yu may not share your thoughts. Initially, his strength was no less than yours, but suddenly he deferred to you, Uncle Wen. The reason behind this puzzles many, and since this matter affects the grand scheme of things, General Han should surely distinguish between what is more and what is less important.”
Having spoken his piece, and having offended Han Yu, Yin Shi was set on swaying Liu Xiu. From now on, Han Yu might harbor resentment towards him. No secrets could be kept forever, and among those present, some may have good relations with Han Yu, not to mention old Tan with his frank nature; his words today would sooner or later reach Han Yu.
Moreover, Yin Shi harbored his own unspeakable thoughts towards Han Yu, feeling a vexing frustration—wanting what one doesn’t have. They were both alike yet different, skilled in strategems, but Han Yu’s moves were often out in the open, hence more likely to receive Liu Xiu’s affirmation. Now, Liu Xiu hesitated to trust Han Yu too much, which is why he leaned slightly more on Yin Shi. But whose future could be certain?
Given the chance, Yin Shi wanted to remove the threat that Han Yu posed, yet not even Liu Xiu had the ability to do so at present. Nevertheless, this presented a good opportunity. It was impossible to directly harm Han Yu, but they could indirectly weaken his influence, causing friction between Han Yu, his in-laws, and Liu Xiu. Later, when the time was right, they could continue to diminish Han Yu’s threat, bit by bit.
“Brother Yin is not wrong. General Han is wholeheartedly loyal to Third Young Master, and even if he learns of this, he will surely understand the Third Young Master’s difficult decision. Third Young Master, please make your decision soon. I’ve heard the Eldest Young Master of the Su Family is already on his way to Chang’an, and if we don’t act now, it will be too late.” The speaker, an Advisor who was friendly with Yin Shi, wasn’t just supporting Yin Shi’s argument but also disliked Han Yu’s typically cold and arrogant demeanor.
“Please, Third Young Master, make your decision soon!”
“Please, My Lord, make your decision promptly!”
As the Advisor’s voice fell, echoes of agreement followed from all around. Liu Xiu internally felt great reluctance to make this decision, but at that moment, he had to consider the opinions of those around him.
“Tch, what an eye-opener, a collection of sanctimonious hypocrites. Clearly acting for personal gain with ignoble deeds, yet speaking as if so high and mighty—I’ve never seen such shamelessness. I wonder if Big Brother Han, seeing your true colors, will feel disheartened.”