Chapter 459: Chapter 646: Concerning the Overall Situation
 

Liu Xiu ultimately became suspicious, although deep down he didn’t want to believe Liu Kuan was that kind of person. But what kind of character did Han Yu have? At the very least, in Liu Xiu’s severe judgement, Han Yu was indeed a man of great gentlemanly demeanor, and in some aspects, even more perceptive than him, absolutely not the type to speak idly without reason.

Therefore, when Liu Xiu entered with Yin Shi, his gaze subtly sized up Liu Kuan, as if trying to discern something from him. However, after observing for some time, he couldn’t see anything conclusive.

Liu Kuan exhibited precisely the reaction and demeanor that a loyal subordinate should. If Liu Kuan truly was loyal and devoted, then he was hiding it incredibly well. Considering the second possibility, Liu Xiu found it hard to be at ease, to treat Liu Kuan as he would on any normal day. It was precisely because of his youthfulness that Liu Kuan became aware and cautiously concealed any giveaway signs.

Yin Shi and Liu Kuan had come to Liu Xiu to discuss the issue of food and provisions for the large army. It wasn’t just about the army’s regular maintenance and needs – the amount of food consumed in this major battle was immense. Therefore, the reserves in Yiyang City were not quite sufficient, only enough to last less than a month. They came to consult Liu Xiu to find a solution.

Military rations were a critical concern for the overall situation. Since Liu Xiu was suspicious of Liu Kuan, how could he discuss with and entrust such an important matter to Liu Kuan? Moreover, he had promised Han Yu that he wouldn’t involve Chen Chu and Liu Kuan in important affairs. A gentleman’s word is his bond; since he had promised, he ought to keep it. That’s why Han Yu didn’t make further arrangements on this matter, knowing full well that Liu Xiu was a man of his word.

Liu Kuan was no fool—he knew Han Yu must have said something to make Liu Xiu suspicious of him. Given the situation, it wouldn’t be easy for him to tamper with the case at hand. It would be better to simply step aside according to Liu Xiu’s wishes, thereby relieving some of Liu Xiu’s suspicions and also safeguarding himself.

“My Lord, I haven’t been feeling well lately, and I’m a bit under the weather due to the many affairs in the army, which I’ve been enduring. Now that we have won a major victory and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, they won’t dare to make a move for a while. I wish to ask you, My Lord, for a lighter duty, so I can recuperate for a while. I hope for your gracious approval,” Liu Kuan said.

Liu Kuan’s sudden request to be assigned to a more leisurely position was exactly what Liu Xiu had been contemplating, but he had not found a good excuse to mention it. Now that Liu Kuan himself had brought it up, it gave Liu Xiu an out. Liu Xiu breathed a sigh of relief but also felt somewhat apologetic.

Does Liu Kuan’s action suggest his innocence, otherwise why would he step back so straightforwardly? Liu Xiu knew very well that Liu Kuan wasn’t really unwell; it was merely an excuse and a pretext. It’s likely that Liu Kuan had noticed his suspicion, which is why he had acted accordingly.

Liu Xiu felt an apologetic sentiment but still went along with Liu Kuan’s words. Not only had he promised Han Yu, but also the slight doubt in the back of his mind hadn’t completely dissipated. Even though Liu Xiu was soft-hearted, his other faculties were intact. Otherwise, Han Yu would not have indeed decided to follow him based solely on what Su Wenyue had said. Thus, Liu Kuan’s actions stirred up a sense of apology in Liu Xiu but brought on even more doubts.

Although Liu Kuan seemed to have cleared his name, it was exactly because of this that more troubling signals were perceived. Only someone with guilt in their heart would be in such haste to wash away their supposed innocence. Hadn’t Liu Kuan reacted promptly to the slightest appearance of suspicion? Wasn’t that akin to a thief having a guilty conscience? If Liu Xiu had not suspected Liu Kuan before, at this moment, he would genuinely start to contemplate the character of Liu Kuan.

Having received Liu Xiu’s consent, Liu Kuan felt a heaviness in his heart, but he was adept at concealing his thoughts. He left the room as if nothing were amiss while pondering internally how to remove Liu Xiu’s suspicions, or perhaps it was time for him to start preparing an escape route for himself.

Yin Shi had been observing the unusual behavior and reactions of Liu Xiu and Liu Kuan all this while. He wasn’t a fool—if previously he had suspected that Han Yu spoke ill of him in front of Liu Xiu, he no longer thought so. The problem must lie with Liu Kuan—could it be…

In fact, regarding the presence of a traitor within their ranks, Liu Xiu and Han Yu had subtly hinted at this to Yin Shi, intending to make him more vigilant. Thus, upon realizing this, Yin Shi immediately thought of this issue, and his gaze towards Liu Kuan’s retreating figure changed.

The reason Yin Shi got along well with Liu Kuan was that there were no conflicting interests between them, and since Liu Kuan had a likable personality and was good at handling relationships, Yin Shi was happy to make more friends. But if Liu Kuan truly was a spy sent by the enemy, Yin Shi squinted his eyes sharply, filled with a touch of malevolence.

“Uncle Wen, is there something inappropriate about Liu Kuan? Otherwise, why would you send him to a less demanding post?” Yin Shi, having his suspicions, still asked after much hesitation—after all, if Liu Kuan truly was a traitor, the issue would be a grave one, and he needed to be cautious.

Liu Xiu looked at Yin Shi’s inquisitive expression, knowing that Yin Shi was not only his brother-in-law but their interests were tied together. There was no need to keep him in the dark. Besides, since Yin Shi had come to see him together with Liu Xiu, it showed their relationship was good, so it was best to have Yin Shi be on guard as well, lest Liu Kuan find an opening to exploit them, assuming, of course, that Liu Kuan indeed was a traitor.

Liu Xiu shared all of Han Yu’s suspicions and conjectures with Yin Shi. Even though Yin Shi didn’t get along with Han Yu, he was more inclined to believe Han Yu than Liu Xiu did, and he immediately regarded Chen Chu and Liu Kuan as traitors.

“Uncle Wen, this time Han Yu didn’t say anything wrong. In such matters, it’s better to err by killing a thousand than to let one hundred go free. Besides, they already have many suspicious points; most likely there is a problem. Han Yu wouldn’t have revealed anything if he wasn’t more than half certain. You can’t afford to be softhearted. As for those who betray their own side, no measure is too extreme,” Yin Shi shared the same outlook as Han Yu on this matter, but unlike the more diplomatic and tactful Han Yu, Yin Shi was more straightforward, mainly because he was outraged. No one would be polite when facing a traitor.

Liu Xiu actually disagreed with Yin Shi’s words, thinking that Yin Shi was too ruthless in his approach. He maintained his stance: without evidence, he would not act against his subordinates based on his own suspicions and doubts. Anyway, he had already decided to place Chen Chu and Liu Kuan in less important positions, which should prevent any significant harm.

“Cibo, these are all just suspicions and speculations; we have no evidence yet. Whether it is so still needs to be verified. It’s enough that you’re aware in your heart. The reason I told you was just to make you more alert and cautious, and not to let anyone exploit a vulnerability. As for the rest, I have my own thoughts on the matter.”

Hearing Liu Xiu speak in this manner, Yin Shi’s brows involuntarily furrowed, strongly disapproving of Liu Xiu’s approach.