Chapter 458: Chapter 645: Two Traitors
 

Han Yu was incredibly busy at the moment. Although they had won the battle, many issues remained unresolved—not only the aftermath of the wounded and fallen soldiers but also the upcoming defensive measures that needed to be fortified to prevent another attack from the Imperial Court army.

The strategy this time failed to capture Zhao Fan, meaning the war was far from over. Although the enemy morale was greatly damaged and they likely wouldn’t make any moves soon, they still had to be prepared. The commotion caused at the Imperial Court that day and the news of Zhao Fan making a Military Order in front of Wang Mang were well known to Han Yu. So, he knew it was unlikely that Zhao Fan would withdraw his forces.

Most importantly, there were spies buried within their ranks. This time, due to Han Yu’s strict protective measures, the most vital secrets were not leaked, allowing Zhao Fan to fall into their trap. However, some information still got out—information that only high-ranking officials should have known. This was a matter Han Yu could not neglect. Unfortunately, his secret guard, which he had formed covertly, could not be revealed, nor could he clearly explain to Liu Xiu the source of the information. Without solid proof, he could not verify its accuracy. He knew Liu Xiu’s character well; unless there was conclusive evidence, Liu Xiu would not act against a traitor.

Despite knowing what actions Liu Xiu might take, Han Yu still did what he had to do. Without exposing his secret forces, he pointed out the various suspicious aspects of the spies and requested that Liu Xiu dispose of them. One was the same person who had urged Liu Xiu to withdraw that day. Another one was more concealed, and even Han Yu could only deduce their identity through reasoning. This was because the suspect usually acted low-key and, at times, even supported Han Yu’s decisions publicly, the opposite style of another spy, and they had clearly earned Liu Xiu’s trust. If it weren’t for Han Yu’s meticulous investigation revealing their suspicions, they might have escaped detection completely.

“Xiu Qi, do you have any evidence for your claims? It can’t be based solely on your conjecture. That would easily wrong people. Both of them have followed me closely for a long time, having been with me since the earliest and most difficult times. I might believe there are more suspicions with Chen Chu, but as for Liu Kuan, aside from the one suspicious point you mentioned, everything else about him seems quite normal. Even that point could be coincidental, considering the circumstances then, it’s not unusual to react that way. It would be really far-fetched to label him a spy lurking among us just because of this.”

As expected, Liu Xiu wasn’t very convinced by Han Yu’s words, maybe due to certain factors, he subconsciously didn’t want to believe them. Although Han Yu was credited with the leading role in their recent victory, increasing his reliance on him, these were not to be generalized. If it had been earlier, Liu Xiu’s trust in Liu Kuan might even have surpassed his trust in Han Yu, considering that Liu Kuan was also a distant relative of Liu Xiu.

“My Lord, if it were usual times, I might harbor suspicions but wouldn’t bring them before you. However, these are extraordinary times. If either of them truly is a spy or, stepping back, simply bribed by the Imperial Court, it poses a great threat to us. Especially after this battle, Zhao Fan will certainly not settle and, on top of his Military Order pledged to Wang Mang, he has no way back and will surely do everything to strike back. Keeping such dubious figures close is too dangerous!”

Han Yu was earnestly advising, encountering such a nostalgically minded master was fortunate for subordinates. By the same token, since Liu Xiu treated these two persons that way, he would likely do the same towards him. Yet at this critical moment, Han Yu felt frustrated and helpless over his lord’s soft heart.

“Xiu Qi, you are far too suspicious. I know you mean well, but without evidence, I will not act against my loyal subordinates. That goes against my principles and bottom line. Even in this critical period, if you’re still uneasy, I’ll transfer Chen Chu to a less important position so that if what you suspect is true, it won’t cause major trouble. What do you think?”

Liu Xiu couldn’t dispose of the man as Han Yu suggested and didn’t want this issue to upset their relationship, so he settled on a compromise, but only for Chen Chu, whose suspicions were numerous. Liu Kuan, however, was not mentioned, clearly indicating Liu Xiu still didn’t believe Liu Kuan would do such a thing. Suspecting a subordinate he trusted over such a negligible detail seemed improper to Liu Xiu.

Liu Xiu didn’t think Han Yu was targeting these two out of self-interest. Han Yu was different from Yin Shi; he wasn’t that kind of person. Even if he truly had grievances against them, he would address them openly rather than in an underhanded way. Liu Xiu also wasn’t aware of the secret guard Han Yu was nurturing, simply considering Han Yu overly suspicious.

Having argued to this point, Han Yu knew he couldn’t persuade Liu Xiu any further. Saying more would be in vain, as certain things he could not possibly disclose to Liu Xiu—his final secrets, the safeguards for his family’s well-being were not to be exposed. Hence, he didn’t plan on continuing. Han Yu was never blindly loyal; his allegiance to Liu Xiu had limits. Thus, this attempt to persuade Liu Xiu stopped there. If Liu Xiu began to suspect him of ulterior motives, that would be a grave injustice. As for the two traitors, he would have to be vigilant in the shadows.

“Since My Lord insists on this, I cannot object. Nevertheless, even if you take no action against them, My Lord, you should still be cautious in your daily affairs. Try not to let these two know too much about confidential matters. Caution never hurts!”

Han Yu’s request was reasonable and made with the greater picture in mind. Liu Xiu had no reason to deny it, responding, “Rest assured, Xiu Qi, I shall do so.”

Yin Shi and Liu Kuan came together to discuss matters with Liu Xiu and happened to meet Han Yu leaving Liu Xiu’s tent. Yin Shi’s eyes flickered with a complex look at Han Yu before he entered the tent with Liu Kuan. Liu Kuan, witnessing this, showed no emotion on his face and quietly followed Yin Shi in.

Liu Xiu had just been pondering the issues with Chen Chu and Liu Kuan when Yin Shi and Liu Kuan entered. There was a brief unnatural expression on his face, which he quickly concealed. Yet both Yin Shi and Liu Kuan, perceptive and observant, caught Liu Xiu’s reaction. Although they could not guess the cause, they knew Han Yu had just exited Liu Xiu’s tent and suspected the reaction might be related to him.

Yin Shi, always prone to conspiracy theories, thought Han Yu might have badmouthed him to Liu Xiu or attempted to discredit him somehow. Otherwise, why would Liu Xiu have such a response upon their arrival? Yin Shi never considered Liu Kuan might be the issue, seeing him as a good-natured person with no past issues with Han Yu.

Liu Kuan, however, thought differently. His ‘status’ was ‘special,’ relating directly to his own life and safety. He was especially sensitive to such matters, and considering the slight anomalies he had previously sensed, his gaze narrowed slightly—a flicker of light passed through his eyes, and facing Liu Xiu’s subtle scrutiny and thoughtful expression, he showed an even more straightforward and loyal demeanor.