Chapter 251 - Chapter 251: Chapter 260: Zhai Family in Guanzhong (2/2)

“What help? Are you sure you weren’t just having a fallout with the Bandits? If you are Bandits, naturally we cannot let you go. We must take you in and report back,” Han Yu’s meaning was clear from his earlier words, which his followers, having been with him for a while, understood.

“That’s not true. We are not Bandits. Bandits killed our family members. We sought revenge, and that’s why we infiltrated the stronghold,” the youngest boy, who had long been restless, now grew even more agitated, speaking somewhat recklessly. “And to think, we believed you were good, different from those Corrupt Officials in the Imperial Court. It turns out you’re just as unreasonable.”

“Lord Han, I know you are a good official. I hope you can discern the truth. We are not Bandits. We came to this stronghold to seek an opportunity for revenge. Our origins are truly something that we cannot disclose for compelling reasons,” said the youths, who despite the hardships faced over the days, were still a bit naive, thinking the reason they were not allowed to leave was just that.

Seeing the youths looking expectantly at him, Han Yu said, “What’s really the case is not for you to decide. If you have been wronged, the Imperial Court will clear your names after a thorough investigation. You will be released if you are found innocent; otherwise, the court will deal with you. I will not interfere.”

Han Yu spoke with integrity, sounding as though there was no personal sentiment involved, just official matters. In reality, he was indeed blackmailing the youths to act according to his intentions. He sensed that their origins were likely tied to the Imperial Court, and given the youths’ inadvertent display of resentment towards the court, he surmised their relationship was hostile, or perhaps their enemy was a highly influential person within the court. This would be why they were so fearful and unwilling to cooperate with his investigation.

“Master, I can tell you our origins, but there are some things I can only discuss with you alone,” Zhai Li finally made his decision. More calculative and pragmatic than the other three youths, he had already grasped Han Yu’s intentions. They had no other choice.

“Very well,” Han Yu said with a slight smile, pleased with Zhai Li’s astuteness. He didn’t find his own behavior despicable as using some schemes to achieve an objective was inevitable. Moreover, had it been someone else standing there today, the youths’ fate would not have been any better.

With Han Yu’s indication, Zhai Li led him to a room beside the Hall, followed by the other three Young Masters. Perhaps because of their origins or maybe due to Zhai Li’s greater steadiness and wisdom, the youths had always somewhat looked up to him as their leader, willing to heed his decisions on many matters.

“Are you ready to speak?” Han Yu was curious about the young men’s identities, judging by their demeanor and bearing that they came from notable origins and were skilled in Martial Arts, wondering how they had come to fall onto hard times.

Instead of immediately disclosing his background, Zhai Li posed a question to Han Yu, “Master, have you ever heard of the renowned Martial Arts Families in Jianghu?”

Upon hearing this, Han Yu’s eyes flickered, “Of course, I have,” he replied.

Han Yu observed Zhai Li, silent and probably hoping to gauge his strength through this exchange. He listed several well-known Martial Arts Families from recent decades, among which the Zhai Family in Guanzhong stood foremost among the Eight Great Families.