Chapter 257 - Chapter 257: Chapter 266: He’s Back (2/2)
Meanwhile, Han Yu and his troops escorted the bandits back to the military camp, drawing everyone’s attention. No one expected that Han Yu would return so unexpectedly, having actually destroyed the bandit’s nest and captured them— an even more dangerous task than his previous mission.
Those alert in the camp knew that Han Yu’s expedition against the bandits was a setup, a trap intended for him to fall into. Some even knew that someone had colluded with the bandits, targeting Han Yu’s life, likely resulting in a no-return mission. However, against expectations, Han returned unharmed and claimed a significant victory! The superiors took the bandit issue seriously, as the bandits had become unbearably brazen, killing and looting without restraint. Hence, a strict order came down to eradicate them, and unfortunately, this thankless task fell to Han Yu.
Inside his tent, Master Li was discussing matters with his subordinates when he heard the commotion outside and frowned in displeasure, “What’s all the noise about? Don’t you know Master is discussing affairs?”
“Master Li, Master Han, he, he has returned,” the subordinates aware of Han Yu’s mission were shocked to see him back and reported to Li Bonian in a somewhat stammering manner, thinking how big of a survivor Han was to have dodged danger not just once but twice.
“What, Han Yu has returned?” Li Bonian raised his eyebrows. He assumed Han Yu had retreated in the face of difficulty, scared off by the bandits, especially with the recent heavy rainfalls. It did not occur to him that Han had returned victoriously, capturing the bandits. He had been contemplating how to frame Han, hoping the superiors would deal with him under military law since Han had issued a Military Order.
“Our Master Han has returned. Let’s go greet him! Although he failed to suppress the bandits, spending so many days outside was not easy, especially with the recent rains. It’s understandable that he would know when to retreat. However, this Master Han is not as brave as everyone imagines. Let’s see how he now reveals his true nature,” Li Bonian said without giving his subordinate a chance to speak, striding forward, eager to see Han Yu’s disheveled state, particularly thinking about how Han Yu’s wife had made him endure humiliation, with his cheek mark taking two days to fade. Those two days, he had stayed in his yard, stewing in frustration, and now he finally found an opportunity to vent, looking forward to mocking Han Yu in front of everyone and causing him to lose face utterly.
The subordinate opened his mouth, intending to stop Li Bonian but saw that he was already heading out of the tent. He hurriedly followed, thinking how bad things would turn out. Master Li had put in a lot of effort to bring down Master Han, yet instead of failing, Master Han accomplished a feat. One could only imagine how furious Master Li would be.
On Han Yu’s side, his men noticed someone reporting to Li Bonian and knew that Li Bonian would show up soon. They wondered if Li Bonian would be hopping mad upon learning of their safe return.
“General, let’s wait and see, slow down a bit, and watch how The guy named Li reacts when he comes out,” said Liu Cong, who had been holding onto anger inside. He remembered how Li Bonian had egged the superiors on before their departure, forcing Master Han to make a Military Order and walked around like a nasty person gloating. He was particularly eager to see Li Bonian’s infuriated reaction to their victorious return.
“Can we even wait that long? Won’t The guy named Li, having heard the news, be too embarrassed to show up? Ha ha!” Heizi commented loudly just as Master Li approached them in the distance. Li Bonian quickened his pace without yet knowing of Han Yu’s triumphant return and appeared very spirited as he walked towards them, causing Han Yu’s men to misunderstand, thinking perhaps Li Bonian was fuming with rage.