Chapter 367: Chapter 374: Bearing Some Injustice
 

“Brother Han, thank you for taking care of me these past days. My wounds have almost healed, and at this moment, my older brother is confronting those treacherous thieves. I can’t just sit here comfortably waiting; I must go back to help him. With this, I take my leave, Brother Han. Your kindness and generosity will be etched in my memory, and I will find a way to repay you in the future.” Upon learning that his big brother was also raising his banner in defiance of the Imperial Court, Liu Xiu could no longer restrain himself and immediately decided to return to assist his big brother, Liu Yan.

“One should repay the kindness entrusted to them. Yu and I are good friends, and since he has entrusted me with your care, it is only natural that I look after you well. Brother Liu, you need not be so formal. The horse carriage and travel gifts have all been prepared for you. Take care on the road.”

Instead of taking credit, Han Yu stated the facts, which made Liu Xiu admire even more the kind of person Han Yu was. Though the saying goes that one should repay the kindness entrusted to them, very few can truly do so. Liu Xiu had long experienced the chill of human relationships, let alone that this matter involved his own safety; for Han Yu to take such risks without taking any credit was all the more valuable.

“Take care, Brother Han. I need these things, so I won’t refuse them. Great kindness does not warrant thanks—still, I will repay you someday.” Liu Xiu said as he clasped his fists, overwhelmed with emotion.

“Take care, Brother Liu. Yu greatly admires your and your brother’s character. If you need anything, just send word. Although I am burdened by family obligations and cannot openly oppose the Imperial Court with you, I will certainly do all that I can to help within my abilities.” Although Han Yu was unsure whether the Liu Xiu brothers could succeed against the situation at the Imperial Court, which was bound to descend into chaos sooner or later, and although the timing was not yet ripe for him, entering this path was inevitable. To make more allies for the future was always good, and the Liu brothers, with their commendable characters, were a good option for cooperation.

“Rest assured, Brother Han, in times of need, I will not hesitate to ask for your help. Farewell!” After Liu Xiu finished speaking, he boarded the horse carriage, and Han Yu dispatched two bodyguards disguised as unremarkable servants and a coachman to escort him all the way.

Liu Xiu truly took the help without reservation, for he considered Han Yu a friend from the bottom of his heart and also genuinely needed his assistance. After reuniting with his brother back in his hometown and learning that his army was short of food, he immediately sent a secret letter to Han Yu.

Han Yu never spoke hollow words, and acquiring the food was not too difficult for him. Knowing the overall situation of the Imperial Court, he had long stockpiled a large quantity of food, which he promptly arranged to be secretly sent to Liu Xiu. After arranging these matters, Han Yu returned to the military camp. Now that the camp was thrown into chaos, it was the best time to place his people. There was no fixed rest period anymore, and even the usual bathing breaks were canceled, as they were always ready to deploy the troops to suppress any rebellious forces.

“Chancellor Han, the master summons you.” Just after Han Yu returned to the military camp, his superior called for him.

Upon arriving, Han Yu found that many generals of a similar rank were present in the tent, clamoring loudly, seemingly over who should be sent to suppress the rebels. Seeing Han Yu enter, they all fell silent, looking at him with strange and sympathetic eyes.

Seeing the situation, Han Yu had a rough idea of what was happening. Such looks were not new to him, most likely indicating that another unpleasant task had fallen to him. Fearless in his heart, Han Yu was also composed; he was not one of those who feared death—joining the military camp meant being prepared to shed blood and sweat.

“Chancellor Han, you’ve arrived just in time. I have a mission for you. Liu Yan of Nanjun has rebelled, and he’s gaining momentum. The local garrison is insufficient, so the Imperial Court has ordered us to send an army to quell the rebellion. After much consideration, I’ve decided to send you. Make sure you annihilate the traitors without leaving any survivors,” Jiang Qianhu commanded sternly, leaving no room for Han Yu to question his orders.

“Yes, I, your subordinate, accept the command!” Han Yu was well aware of the situation in Nanjun; the rebel army led by Liu Yan had rallied various forces, and their strength was formidable. Merely leading these troops would not suffice—it was akin to a death sentence. But military orders were like mountains, and with Jiang Qianhu and Mr. Sun in cahoots, voicing any objections would be futile and would only result in accusations of disobeying military orders.

Seeing Han Yu accept the orders without protest, a sinister and triumphant look flashed across Jiang Qianhu’s face. Not only did Mr. Sun deeply despise and want to get rid of Han Yu, but Jiang Qianhu also harbored wariness against him. This young man was rapidly climbing the ranks, and Jiang had initially thought he would be a spineless sycophant easily removed. Instead, he proved to be a tough nut to crack. Ever since Han Yu’s arrival at the military camp, all Jiang’s attempts to trip him up had been effortlessly dodged by Han Yu. Removing him sooner rather than later was imperative to avoid future troubles.

Han Yu left Jiang Qianhu’s tent with a stoic expression and returned to his own, where his demeanor turned grim. It was quite the sight. Military advisor Yan Pingdao, having heard that Han Yu had been summoned by Jiang Qianhu, had been waiting in the tent. Seeing Han Yu’s expression, he suspected trouble.

“Master, have you encountered some trouble? Jiang Qianhu wouldn’t have summoned you without reason. From the information I’ve gathered, could it be that Jiang Qianhu intends to send you to support the suppression in Nanjun without providing sufficient manpower, possibly wishing for our certain demise?” Yan Pingdao conjectured based on the information he had and Han Yu’s reaction, guessing close to the truth.

Han Yu nodded, a slight ease coming over his expression, “You’re right, it is as you guessed. If it were anyone else, it might be acceptable, but with fewer hands, if we utilize them properly, we wouldn’t be without a chance of winning. But it’s Liu Yan of Nanjun; I do not wish to be his enemy.”

Han Yu hadn’t concealed much from Yan Pingdao, who understood his concerns: “Not only is Liu Yan of Nanjun an Imperial Descendant, but he is also a hero that commands respect. Judging from the current momentum, he could potentially achieve great things. The Imperial Court is no longer what it was, held tightly in Prime Minister Wang’s grasp. It’s uncertain what the future holds, and indeed, there is no need for us to be enemies with Liu Yan. You and Liu Xiu get along; perhaps you also share these thoughts.”

“If it really comes to it, we might as well turn against him and join Liu Yan in Nanjun. As I see it, the Imperial Court will sooner or later fall into chaos, with various heroes claiming their stakes. Master, the time for you to realize your ambitions will then arrive.”

“I’ve considered what you suggest, but my family, including my wife and young children, are in Yiyang Prefecture. If I were to rebel, the Imperial Court would surely target my relatives. My parents and brothers would be relatively safe, far away in a remote village, and difficult to detect when moving. However, my daughter-in-law and child live within the prefecture, and those people are likely keeping an eye on Han Mansion. Any slight movement could arouse their suspicion, and I absolutely cannot risk the safety of my wife and child.”

Hearing this, the military advisor inwardly sighed. Those destined for great accomplishments must not dwell on trifles. The master cared too much for his wife and children. As a subordinate, however, his duty was to offer the best advice possible: “Master, if you wish to relocate your wife without arousing suspicion, I have an idea. It will only require Madam to endure some discomfort temporarily.”