Chapter 251 - Chapter 251: Chapter 260: Zhai Family in Guanzhong (1/2)
Chapter 251: Chapter 260: Zhai Family in Guanzhong
Zhai Li and the other three young men exchanged glances. They had intended to feed Han Yu the same fabricated story they had used before, but seeing Han Yu’s demeanor, they realized he wouldn’t be easily fooled. Instead, they stood silent, as if wrestling with a difficult choice and decision.
“Lord Han, we cannot reveal our family backgrounds, but I can assure you of our utmost loyalty and that we will never betray you,” Zhai Li said after a moment of silence. He did not try to deceive Han Yu with the excuses they had used on others, unsure if it was out of gratitude or a belief that Han Yu would not be easily deceived.
“How can there be talk of loyalty when you can’t even reveal your basic origins, let alone the question of betrayal? It’s merely a matter of how much you’re offered to betray,” Han Yu said with a wry smile, his face clearly showing disbelief.
“But what if our backgrounds really can’t be disclosed?” said one of the younger boys, unable to conceal his impatience, his face showing a sense of urgency. He was worried because Han Yu didn’t trust them and wanted to explain but felt powerless. He truly wished to follow a great hero like this master, a man unlike the corrupt officials in the Imperial Court, with formidable skills that even the Bandit Leader couldn’t match. Such talent deserved his allegiance.
However, Han Yu wasn’t swayed by this appeal. Even though he was eager to recruit talents to build his secret forces, he would not take on people with unknown origins. The risk was too great. His expression grew colder, signaling that his previous gentle approach had been too lenient. It wasn’t enough to merely speak kindly; he had to make them aware of their predicament.
“If you cannot clarify your origins, not only will I be unable to take you in, but I will also have to arrest and hand you over to the Imperial Court for judgment,” he said.
Upon hearing Han Yu’s words, the four young men maintained their composure, a result of their upbringing and the experience they had gained over the past days. They didn’t show much fear, but their involuntary gestures betrayed their panic. Their enemies wielded immense power within the Imperial Court, second only to the emperor himself, who even made concessions to them. It could be said that they controlled the court. Thus, for these youths, being handed over to the court was tantamount to a death sentence. Even though they were far from Chang’an, the old Corrupt Official who deeply feared them had sent assassins after them all this way and would surely not rest until they were dead.
In such a predicament, it seemed they had no choice but to speak out. The young men could only compromise with Han Yu, still worried as they said, “If you must know, then fine, we will tell you. But before that, we hope, Lord Han, that if you decide not to take us in, you will not reveal our origins and will allow us to leave.”
Han Yu raised an eyebrow, “I make no guarantees, nor can I promise you anything. If you wish to ally with me, you must show me your sincerity.”
“Big brother Zhai, this man is outrageous. Why should we listen to him? Let’s go!” One of the youths couldn’t hold his temper any longer and, pulling on Zhai Li and the others, attempted to leave, only to be blocked by Han Yu’s subordinates.
“Who said you could leave? Didn’t you understand what our master just said?”
“What do you mean? We helped you fight the Bandits, and now you want to stop us from leaving? How does that make sense?” Some of the youths changed their expressions, but Zhai Li remained calm throughout, neither speaking nor agreeing with his companions, silently observing Han Yu’s reaction.