Chapter 247 - 256: No Refusal to Face Responsibilities

“What? Advance the plan in this weather? Master, have you lost your mind?” Liu Cong relayed the newly received information to Han Yu and was informed of the decision to move up the plan. He stared at Han Yu in disbelief, feeling that Han Yu’s approach was truly beyond his comprehension.

“I haven’t lost my mind, and you heard right,” Han Yu spoke with certainty. “We set the plan for tomorrow. This rain doesn’t look like it’s going to stop anytime soon, at least not for a day or two.” Han Yu was almost certain about the weather. In the past, when he went into the mountains for a big hunt, he had to check the weather carefully. Moreover, they weren’t far from the borders of Xinye, where the weather wouldn’t differ much and significant changes were unlikely.

“Why not wait for two days instead? With such heavy rain, if we really go out, won’t we all end up drenched?” Liu Cong had just come back from outside, fed up with the feeling of being soaked by the icy rain, both wet and cold, feeling as if his whole body was frozen stiff–it was damn uncomfortable.

“Which is more important, life or comfort?! The previous plan we made wasn’t perfect; it had many flaws. We had no choice but to make a risky move, and casualties were inevitable. Now, heaven has granted us a perfect opportunity. This downpour provides us an excellent chance to catch the bandits off guard. What’s a bit of hardship for a grown man? If you keep whining to me, see if I don’t thrash you!” Han Yu looked at his normally refined subordinate who, to his surprise, could also curse when talking to his men.

“Yes, yes, you’re right, Master. Of course, life is more important. I still want to live and see my son and daughter-in-law again. It would be such a loss to be killed by the bandits! Losing my life is one thing, but failing to beat the bandits and bringing shame to our ancestors would be far worse. Just tell me what to do, Master, and your subordinate will go through fire and water!”

Liu Cong wasn’t really a coward; he was just joking a moment ago, though there was indeed a hint of reluctance in his attitude. However, as a soldier, he took obeying orders as his duty—once given the command by his superiors, he was ready to lay down his life!

“That’s more like it. Compared to our lives, suffering a bit doesn’t count for much. If we really do lose our lives here, who will our wives and children rely on? Everyone should rest well today. Tomorrow, we’ll battle through the rain with all our might. Once we’ve dealt with the bandits, we’ll rest properly. I’ll treat you all once we’re done!”

“Alright, alright! After taking down the bandits, we’ll feast with the Master!”

Han Yu was very good at rallying the troops. With a few words, he managed to stir up everyone’s fighting spirit and resolve to have a fierce battle with the bandits.

After discussing some matters with everyone, Han Yu left the cave with a few men. Now that the plan was moved up to the next day, some things needed to be prepared in advance. Reconnaissance was essential, and since it was sure to be raining tomorrow, they couldn’t just go out in the rain; otherwise, even if they made it back, most would be sick. Han Yu knew that there were large leaves in the mountains here, some as big as a washbasin, which could serve as umbrellas and raincoats, and their green color would allow them to move through the mountains without drawing attention.

“Master, are you going out again? If there’s anything, let me handle it—it’s better than you getting sick from the rain and then no one’s available to command us.” Liu Cong was about to rest when he saw Han Yu leaving. He spoke with concern, although not very eloquently, making it sound somewhat resentful. Liu Cong knew that Han Yu was a better fighter than himself, but he always felt that Han Yu didn’t seem like he came from a farming household. Instead, he seemed like a young master from an aristocratic family, with his demeanor and integrity being exceptional. Liu Cong truly felt that Han Yu wasn’t cut out for these rough tasks.

“No need, you’ve been tired for a long time, so rest. Just make sure everything is okay here, and there’s no need for anyone to wander off today to avoid drawing attention to our whereabouts.” Han Yu said this out of caution. Since they could have insiders in their stronghold, it’s possible that the enemy might also have infiltrators among them. Even though he wanted to believe his brothers, with whom he shared weal and woe, he couldn’t let emotions cloud his judgment. A single mistake could endanger more than just himself.

“Alright then, I’ll take care of everything here. I’ll make sure everyone is ready to take on the bandits tomorrow!” Liu Cong had been with Han Yu for some time and immediately grasped Han Yu’s intentions.

Although Liu Cong was impetuous, he was a loyal and reliable man. Han Yu felt confident entrusting him with such tasks and nodded before leaving.

The bandits in the mountains relished the heavy rain.

“This is the first time it’s rained this heavily this year. Those government soldiers at the foot of the mountain must be suffering now. Their tents don’t look very sturdy; I bet they’re not nearly as comfortable as we are in our stronghold with good food and drink.”

“Exactly. That corrupt official is indeed unlucky. Even the heavens seem to be on our side.”

Hearing his brothers’ words, the master of the stronghold relaxed and his expression lightened. Travel was difficult in the forest during such rain, and even more so to come up and attack them. Although in these days Mr. Han had been showing such a stance, he never fully believed it and always remained on guard. As long as Mr. Han was stationed down the mountain, he could not relax, as the safety of every brother in the stronghold was at stake, and there was no room for carelessness.

“Servants, bring over those jars of good wine we got from the mountain foot the other day, and tell the kitchen to prepare some delicious dishes. We’ve been worn out by that corrupt official these days, and the brothers have had a tough time. Let us relax and reward ourselves during this weather.”

“Great! Great! With the master, there’s meat to eat and wine to drink! ” Everyone was too busy celebrating to notice a small minion in an inconspicuous corner whose face flashed with a strange and inexplicable expression.

Su Wenyue was selecting some material from the box, all fashionable and in vibrant, appealing colors, thinking of making two sets of clothes for Su Lanxin and Su Lanfang, her cousins. For one, Su Wenyue really liked her cousins and wanted to do something for them, and also to keep herself occupied to make the time pass more quickly. Otherwise, worrying about Han Yu all day long was too much, both for others to see and for her own sense of well-being.

“These colors all look quite nice; I can’t decide which ones to choose. I might as well make a set for Lan Xin and Lan Fang in every color. There’s nothing else to do, and the materials will fade over time if just left there. They’re at an age when they should dress up more, and having more sets to rotate would be nice—young girls should look pretty.”

As Su Wenyue said this, designs and styles of clothes already formed in her mind. She sketched them down and felt quite satisfied with the result. She thought that Lan Xin and Lan Fang would look beautiful in them. Then, perhaps thinking of something else, Su Wenyue sketched two more sets.