Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 468: Chapter 475: No Reason
 

“I merely heard such rumors and do not know whether they are true or not. Therefore, when such an incident occurred, I was momentarily agitated, which led me to suspect and offend General Han.”

“Where did you hear such rumors, Liu Zuoling, and why speak of them? Aren’t you afraid of arousing my suspicions?” When Liu Xiu asked this, his gaze was fixed on Liu Kuan, as if trying to discern something from his actions.

Liu Kuan, however, looked up and met Liu Xiu’s eyes with neither guilt nor worry: “I have done nothing to betray My Lord and have a clear conscience, so why should I worry? Only those with ghosts in their hearts need to fear. Besides, I have compelling reasons. I hadn’t noticed before, but when Chen Chu turned against General Han and the two became estranged, I felt something was amiss and suspected that the matter was not so simple.”

“Could there be some trickery afoot?” Before Liu Xiu could speak, an impatient and straightforward general immediately pressed for an answer.

“Indeed, there is trickery. It’s not just the rumors about General Han this time. Similar incidents happened before, and although they didn’t cause major losses, they bred mutual suspicion and distrust among colleagues, almost leading to a falling out. Those who spread the rumors definitely have an agenda. And who would do such a thing?”

“Who would act in such a way, Liu Zuoling? Just speak plainly and stop beating around the bush; you have me all on edge. Spit it out!”

The same general spoke, urgency in his words, showing he took Liu Kuan’s words to heart and was driven by curiosity.

“In truth, such actions benefit none of us, which was the part I found most puzzling at first. That’s why I believed the words of the instigator. But now, looking back, the only ones who stand to gain from this are the enemy forces. This must certainly be a divisive ploy by the enemy, wishing to see us distrust each other and thus providing them with an opportunity.”

“That’s it, my goodness! The damned Zhao scoundrels are too cunning. Unable to defeat us on the Battlefield, they resort to such despicable schemes behind the scenes. It’s utterly detestable. Fortunately, Liu Zuoling discovered it in time, or we might have indeed fallen prey to the enemy’s plot. Just now, Mr. Chen and General Han almost turned against each other.”

Liu Kuan’s words were well-reasoned, and with his candid and loyal demeanor, the simpler-minded generals present almost believed him, as his explanation made sense. Naturally, some were also angered by Liu Kuan’s cunning, feeling deceived by him.

“Liu Zuoling hasn’t answered yet. Where did you hear these rumors? We need to find the source to root out the enemy spies amongst us!” Yin Shi said in an insistent tone, his eyes locked on Liu Kuan.

Liu Kuan’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t panic. Having spoken thus, he must have been prepared, and upon hearing Yin Shi, he said, “Unfortunately, I merely overheard a few Soldiers who looked rather unfamiliar speaking as I passed by. In my distress upon hearing the words, I did not recognize them as an enemy ploy and took them at face value, so I didn’t pay them much heed. Later, when I went to look for them, they were nowhere to be found. My carelessness is to blame!”

As Liu Kuan spoke, his face was filled with self-reproach, making it difficult for others to further blame him. After all, who could immediately realize in such a situation that it was a trap? A few generals who had good relations with Liu Kuan on a daily basis spoke up.

“Liu Zuoling needn’t blame himself. It’s normal not to notice when the enemy is so sinister and deceitful. Even us, had it not been for Liu Zuoling’s reminder, almost fell for the enemy’s plot.”

Yin Shi snorted coldly from the side: “With Liu Zuoling having said everything, what’s left for us to say? How do you intend to prove the truth of these unsubstantiated claims?”

“Yin Brother, what are you talking about? Don’t you know what kind of person Brother Liu is? He wouldn’t deceive us.” The person speaking had a good relationship with both Yin Shi and Liu Kuan on normal days. Hearing Yin Shi say this, he tried to mediate, also puzzled by Yin Shi’s sudden opposition to Liu Kuan.

“They say ‘to know the face but not the heart.’ Indeed, I really don’t know what kind of person Liu Zuoling is,” Yin Shi retorted with a snort, becoming more convinced of Liu Kuan’s craftiness. He had never noticed Liu Kuan being so manipulative; perhaps Liu Kuan had deliberately crafted that facade to beguile him.

Hearing Yin Shi’s words, Liu Kuan wasn’t annoyed but seemed even more regretful: “It’s my fault for not capturing those rumor-spreading spies in time. Lord Yin’s suspicions are not without reason. But as things stand, there’s no point in arguing. The most important thing is that we must unite and not fall into the enemy’s trap.”

Liu Kuan was, in fact, somewhat surprised—he hadn’t expected to be confronted by Han Yu first, but by Yin Shi. His mind raced with thoughts. Could the mastermind behind this assassination not be Liu Xiu or Han Yu but Yin Shi?

Considering the various suspicions before and after the event, Liu Kuan suddenly felt this unlikely conclusion might actually be possible. But for what reason would Yin Shi do this? They always got along under the guise of flattery and meeting, so he couldn’t understand why Yin Shi would act this way. However, it wasn’t the time to delve into it. Today’s matter needed a good resolution.

“My Lord, Lord Yin speaks truly. I have no evidence for this matter. Even with a clear conscience, I can’t prove my innocence, but with the enemy at our doorstep, suspicion among colleagues is a grave taboo. If My Lord has doubts, I am willing to prove my innocence,” Liu Kuan said, his words carrying a sense of conviction and resolution.

At Liu Kuan’s statement, everyone looked to Liu Xiu, curious about how he would decide.

Liu Xiu’s gaze on Liu Kuan was complex. This longtime companion was full of surprises, his behavior so open and honest. If he hadn’t already calculated and weighed the consequences internally, Liu Xiu would almost have believed him.

“Indeed, I cannot simply take your word for it. Tell me, how do you intend to prove your innocence?” Liu Xiu was curious to see what unexpected move Liu Kuan might make.

Liu Kuan, not at all surprised by Liu Xiu’s question, chuckled inwardly—Liu Xiu indeed doubted him. Without saying another word, he acted decisively; he suddenly knelt down and banged his head on the ground several times in a solemn kowtow, leaving everyone puzzled and perplexed. Then, he abruptly drew his sword from his waist.

“Liu Kuan, what are you doing?!” Everyone was startled by Liu Kuan’s actions.

Han Yu was the first to react, immediately drawing his sword as well, taking a protective stance in front of Liu Xiu.