Chapter 210 - Chapter 210: Chapter 210: Rise from Hibernation (2/2)

While Su Wenyue was worried, Han Yu and his entourage returned to the camp the next morning in quite a sorry state. The mission they had embarked on was one nobody wanted, for it was too dangerous. Their swift and whole return caught many by surprise, and news of their arrival spread quickly.

“Look, Lieutenant Han has returned. Quite the feat indeed; those unruly commoners are notoriously aggressive and desperate. I thought Lieutenant Han might return without an arm or a leg this time, but here he is, having resolved the matter so quickly. No wonder the Master values him so.”

No sooner had they arrived at the camp than they were greeted by a sardonic voice. It belonged to Li Bonian, who, along with a few of his cronies, either came to gloat or to confirm that Han Yu and his men had returned unscathed.

Li Bonian and Han Yu, both Deputy Lieutenants of Seventh Rank, were locked in competition and mutual disdain. Ever since Han Yu had risen to the rank of Deputy Lieutenant, he had been on Li Bonian’s bad side. This perilous assignment was closely linked to Li Bonian.

“Li, contain your insolence. Our Master has genuine ability; that is why he holds this position, unlike some worthless straw bags, good for nothing but backstabbing in the shadows. What else are they capable of?!” Liu Cong, quick-tempered by nature, had been with Han Yu since his early days in the camp and was utterly devoted to him. Having suffered hardships on this mission, he couldn’t restrain himself from hitting back at Li Bonian’s mockery.

“Who are you calling a straw bag? You dim-witted bear, Liu Cong, someone casually bought you off, and you willingly let yourself be used as a pawn. How foolish! What genuine ability? Someone here only has the ability to kiss up and flatter their way to their current position, and you think you’re something special!” Li Bonian’s loyalist taunted back at Liu Cong, the insinuation clear towards Han Yu.

It wasn’t only Liu Cong who was infuriated by Li Bonian’s arrogance; the other subordinates were eager to defend their position but were stopped by Han Yu.

Han Yu was not admitting weakness. The time just wasn’t right to contend with Li Bonian. Although they were both of the same rank, Li Bonian had been entrenched in this domain for many years, had a deep foundation, and also had the backing of Lord of Hundred Households above him. It was unwise to confront him head-on.

Han Yu’s subordinates held him in high esteem. With his command issued, even though they begrudged it, they obeyed, only to vent their frustrations as soon as they returned to the tent.

“Master, why did you hold us back? That Li is such a smug villain. It angers me just to see his face; I’d love to beat him senseless. Such a shameless person, not only plotting against you behind your back but having the audacity to show up in front of us. Solely relying on that slim familial connection with Master Li of Hundred Households, a despicable cur!”

“Enough, there’s no need for anger. Li Bonian has been here for many years, deeply entrenched, with someone protecting him from above. If we rashly clash with him, we’ll only end up worse off. Better to swallow the temporary indignity and lie low, awaiting the opportunity. I’ll find the right moment for us to have our revenge,” Han Yu reassured himself and his loyal men, confident that someday he would trample those people beneath his feet.

“We follow Master’s orders!” they all understood this and trusted in Han Yu. Master Han’s word had always been his bond, never deceiving them, and that unwavering reliability was one of the reasons they were willing to follow him to the death.

Feng Han, having replaced Zhao Changping, had been cautioned by his former superior not to make things difficult for Han Yu. Many things were beyond his control, but he was glad to see Han Yu and his men return safe and sound, granting them a day off to recuperate.