Chapter 35: Turning a Blind Eye

Just as Hu Che’er was wracked with worry, a commotion arose outside.

One of his subordinates strode in briskly.

“General, Liu Xunshan is here,” the subordinate reported respectfully.

Hearing this, Hu Che’er’s face clouded. “He’s come quite quickly.”

“Go and tell him I’m not here,” he ordered.

Hu Che’er had no intention of seeing him—for even if he did, he would not know what to say.

At the same time, as his subordinate went out, Hu Che’er changed into another set of clothes and slipped away through the back door.

He made his way straight to the Prefecture of Wan City, where he sought an audience with his superior.

Zhang Xiu.

“General Hu, it’s quite late—what brings you here?” Zhang Xiu greeted him with a cordial smile.

“Prefect, there is something I’m not certain you know about,” Hu Che’er replied, cupping his fists respectfully.

“Oh? Tell me in detail,” Zhang Xiu invited. Though it was late and his rest was disturbed, he showed no anger. On the contrary, he was quite amiable toward Hu Che’er, for their relationship was far from ordinary. Hu Che’er had followed him for years, fighting side by side on the battlefield—their bond sealed by life and death.

“My lord, the young master of the Liu family in Wan City, Liu Hai, is dead.”

“W-what?” Zhang Xiu was visibly taken aback at this news, but gradually regained his composure.

“He is dead? That is indeed not a misfortune for us,” he said. “We have endured the Liu family for years—retribution, at last.”

Indeed, neither Zhang Xiu nor Hu Che’er and their men had any love for the Lius. The Liu family had long swaggered arrogantly through the city, showing not a shred of courtesy even to them. It had always left a bitter taste in their mouths.

But the Lius had connections with Liu Biao in Xiangyang, so Zhang Xiu dared not speak out. After all, they were under Liu Biao’s protection now—his subordinates in truth.

So whenever the Liu family had any trouble, they would come seeking help from Zhang Xiu’s garrison, and he could not refuse. All these years, they had been at the Liu family’s beck and call, chafing under their demands.

Now that Liu Hai was dead, it was indeed a gratifying piece of news for them.

“My lord, in fact, Liu Hai was murdered,” Hu Che’er added.

“Murdered?” Zhang Xiu echoed. “In Wan City—who would dare kill him?”

“My lord, it was not a local who did it, but strangers from elsewhere,” Hu Che’er explained. “These people are formidable. At first, the Liu family provoked them, but they did not submit. They killed Liu Hai, and no small number of Liu family retainers fell at their hands as well.”

Hu Che’er recounted the events surrounding Liu Xie and his companions’ arrival, though he withheld what had transpired within his own barracks.

By the end, Zhang Xiu’s brows were furrowed.

“Where did these people come from? Killing Liu Hai is one thing, but to act with such impunity on our turf…” He paused, displeasure clear in his voice. “Why did you not intervene?”

Hu Che’er lowered his head in shame.

“My lord, I am mortified. I did confront him and brought him into the barracks. But…I was no match for him. He subdued me within my own camp.”

He recounted the incident. Zhang Xiu stared at him, incredulous.

“You mean…he overpowered you—on your own ground?”

Zhang Xiu knew well what kind of general Hu Che’er was: brave and battle-tested, an exceptional commander rarely seen. Yet now, an unknown wanderer had managed to hold him captive in his own garrison.

Of course, Hu Che’er did not mention the wager he had with Liu Xie, as he deemed it beneath notice from the start and saw no need to report it.

“Then why not muster your troops?” Zhang Xiu pressed, having recovered from his shock. “You might not be his match alone, but you command thousands—surely you could mobilize them.”

“My lord, allow me to explain,” Hu Che’er replied. “I know full well that with our army, we could easily crush them. But in my judgment, it is better to let them live for now.”

“Why is that?” Zhang Xiu asked, puzzled.

“My lord, I have seen these men. There are only about twenty of them, but their prowess is extraordinary. To be frank, even their common soldiers would be more than a match for me.”

Though Hu Che’er knew these words were humiliating to admit, he spoke honestly. For a general of his stature to be bested by an ordinary foot soldier—what a disgrace, should such news spread. Yet, when he fought Liu Xie’s men, he had been thoroughly convinced of his defeat.

“These men are formidable, and their enmity with the Liu family is now fierce and unyielding. If I may suggest, we should let them and the Lius fight it out. Once the Liu family is destroyed, we can then make our move. Perhaps, if possible, we could even recruit these experts into our ranks, for their strength would be of great use to us. If they refuse, we can still send our troops to eliminate them—it will not be too late.”

Zhang Xiu nodded repeatedly in agreement. This was indeed a clever plan—a double benefit. They could rid themselves of the troublesome Liu family and perhaps gain some powerful new followers.

“Very well, we’ll do as you suggest. Let them fight it out,” Zhang Xiu agreed.

Yet Hu Che’er still looked troubled.

“My lord, the problem is this: if the Liu family cannot withstand them, they will surely call on us for help. Then what shall we do—assist, or refuse?”

It was a pressing concern. The Liu family would inevitably seek their aid—what then?

This quandary gave Zhang Xiu pause. But after a moment’s thought, he found his resolution.

“Hmph. We’ll turn a blind eye.”

In the days that followed, Liu Xie and his companions found their lives growing markedly quieter. The Liu family ceased all harassment.

In truth, Liu Xie knew well the Liu family would not let matters rest so easily—they simply dared not act against him for the time being.

And so, the days passed in preparation for the New Year, with less than ten days remaining. They busied themselves with purchasing all manner of provisions.

On this day, Fu Shou quietly approached Liu Xie.

“Husband, you said you would seek justice for Jiayu, but the New Year is nearly here. If we fail to keep our word, it may sadden her. Perhaps we should explain things to her?”