Chapter 431: Chapter 438: Discussing the Discussion
 

“General Han, my master said, please rush over to save her as soon as you see this note. If you’re too late, she might be harmed by someone, you must be quick! Also, this matter is related to Marquis Beian Mansion. If you don’t go, you will regret it,” the maid recited in accordance with Chen Li’s instructions. She couldn’t hide the nervousness on her face; after all, she was but a small servant girl, and seeing a high and mighty person like Han Yu, with his cold indifference and deadly aura, it was impossible not to be afraid. The man before her had too overpowering a presence.

Han Yu looked at the paper in his hand, and indeed, it was Chen Li’s handwriting, unmistakable and authentic.

Han Yu recognized the handwriting not because he was all that familiar with Chen Li, but because this woman’s writing was too unique. Having seen it once, it would be difficult not to recognize again. Her script was just so ugly, not to mention incomplete and missing strokes, like a person missing arms or legs and equally unattractive; no wonder it left a lasting impression.

Though the writing on the note was ugly, almost unbearable to look at, Han Yu could still discern the underlying urgency in it, such as the nervousness Chen Li must have felt as she scribbled it. The hastiness with which it was written had left many of the characters trembling and connected. But this only made it uglier. Such writing would be hard for anyone to imitate. In this respect, Chen Li could indeed be considered a prodigy.

The corners of Han Yu’s mouth twitched, revealing an expression of either disdain or sarcasm, as he watched the maid kneeling on the ground, shivering. He then dismissed her.

“I understand the situation. You may leave,” Han Yu commanded, not feeling the need to explain his actions to a maid.

The maid was somewhat troubled. Although she was frightened, she was uncertain whether she had fulfilled the mission entrusted by her miss. If something really happened to her miss, as her personal attendant, and one who had accompanied her, the old master surely would not spare her. With this thought, the maid suddenly mustered up the courage, lifting her head to reveal an unusually delicate and timid face, which just begged for pity.

“General Han, I know my status is low and unworthy of your attention. But if I return like this and something happens to my miss, I’ll be beaten to death by the old master. Please show some compassion and save my miss. I will be eternally grateful!” The maid pleaded, continually kowtowing to Han Yu. In her earnestness, her forehead even started to bruise, showing streaks of blood and eliciting sympathy.

This maid also had her schemes; her act was meant to arouse the compassion of the person before her. Unfortunately, she encountered a man as indifferent as Han Yu, who not only lacked any pity but also saw through her motives, his brow furrowing slightly in displeasure.

“I will say it one more time,” Han Yu spoke with disgust, “leave immediately. Otherwise, even if your old master doesn’t kill you, I will deal with you now under military law, ensuring you suffer more than death!” With impatience seeping into his voice, Han Yu had never known what sympathy was for any woman other than Su Wenyue. He wouldn’t break his principles even if the maid before him were pitiable—he issued his final ultimatum.

The maid had taken a gamble, but instead of winning any mercy, she had drawn Han Yu’s harsh words, frightening her to the point of stumbling, with cold sweats breaking out. She cared for nothing else and scampered toward the door, fearing that any delay might lead to Han Yu carrying out his threat. Such a man was terrifying, comparable to the King of Hell himself.

After the maid was gone, Han Yu gave a few instructions to his confidant and rode on horseback toward Liu Mansion at breakneck speed. Although he didn’t care about the welfare of Chen Li and the maid, he couldn’t ignore a matter involving the Marquis Beian Mansion. Even if it were a trap, he had to check it out. Moreover, he deduced that there was a nine out of ten chance that the situation was real. Perhaps Chen Li had witnessed something and, fearing being silenced, came up with this plan for him to unravel the situation. This indirectly implied that the matter was indeed related to him, and even that someone had taken interest in the Marquis Beian Mansion affair.

Furthermore, when the maid mentioned that Liu Xiu and the others were convening, Han Yu sensed something was amiss. Usually, if anything happened, Liu Xiu would call him over for consultation, but this time he only summoned his confidants for a covert meeting, and Han Yu hadn’t even caught wind of it, indicating how secretive it was.

Han Yu was a smart person. Although initially baffled as to why Liu Xiu would do this, he soon understood, except for being taken aback by Yin Shi’s ruthless plan to kill Marquis Beian and his son. He had almost anticipated everything else.

The more Han Yu thought about it, the more seriously worried he became. If Liu Xiu truly committed an act against Marquis Beian Mansion, how would he position himself? Should he feign compliance or confront the situation? Neither option seemed good, and it was best that such a situation did not occur.

With utmost urgency, Han Yu arrived at Liu Mansion. As he approached the entrance, Liu Mansion’s servants greeted him and led him to where Liu Xiu and the others were gathered.

Seeing this, Han Yu’s mind raced, indicating that Liu Xiu knew he would come. Liu Xiu must have been informed by Chen Li, which meant she was out of danger; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been told. That Liu Xiu had spared Chen Li meant there were two possibilities: either there was no ill intent towards Marquis Beian Mansion or they had reached some kind of agreement with Chen Li.

Regardless, he had to meet Liu Xiu to confirm, and then act accordingly. If Liu Xiu indeed had dishonorable intentions toward him, he would not hold back. Although his daughter-in-law had mentioned that in her previous life Liu Xiu obtained that position, this life’s events were still undecided, and the future uncertain. Any variable could change that outcome—it all depended on what he wanted to do. Therefore, there was no need to limit himself for that reason. The primary reason he chose to follow Liu Xiu wasn’t just his daughter-in-law’s words but rather Liu Xiu’s character, which made him deem Liu Xiu worthy of allegiance.

“Xiu Qi, you’ve finally come; I’ve been unable to wait. Hurry, I have an important matter to consult with you,” Liu Xiu said eagerly upon seeing Han Yu. The urgency was partly due to his previous thoughts that made him feel guilty, and partly because he was anxious to know Han Yu’s opinion.

“Is it about the Marquis Bei’an Mansion?” Han Yu asked directly.

Hearing Han Yu say this, Liu Xiu knew that Chen Li must have told the truth. He quickly composed himself and said, “Indeed, it is about that. Marquis Bei’an Mansion has a significant connection with your wife. You’ve probably heard the news too. I called you here to discuss how we can best handle this situation, whether or not we should send people to Chang’an City to rescue Marquis Bei’an and his son.”