Xiao An was heartbroken for his son, and at this time Liu Xiangnan also returned to his mansion. His greatest concern was his daughter Liu Rumei's movements.
The message from Liu Rumei was still about the action two days ago, meaning Liu Rumei would stay for another day of advance to buy time for Zhao Guangzong and the others to retreat.
After reading this, Liu Xiangnan quickly opened the map and looked at it.
He appeared worried.
"Alas, if this is too risky..."
Liu Yuanwen, standing beside him, smiled and said, "Father, you are probably overthinking. Junior sister is advancing like a broken bamboo, all the way to Qingguang City. Qiao Pusen will surely be terrified and dare not come out, so Junior sister's retreat will be without any obstacles."
Liu Xiangnan shook his head, "Alas, that's what you say, but as soon as they retreat, Qiao Pusen will surely know."
"Four hundred li from the frontier city of Shuozhou, there is a small river called Xiaoqing River. This river never freezes. To cross it, there is only one stone bridge."
Liu Xiangnan pointed to the map, and finally said with worry, "If the enemy destroys the stone bridge over Xiaoqing River, then they will suffer a devastating blow."
Liu Xiangnan's worry was not unfounded. On this day, Chen Xiaobei and Zhao Guangzong were retreating and reached the Xiaoqing River.
In this freezing weather, having such a river that did not freeze made Zhao Guangzong very happy. He ordered to set up camp on the spot, let the soldiers rest, have a hot meal, and then prepare to set off.
While the meal was being prepared, Chen Xiaobei left the crowd and slowly walked forward, onto the stone bridge of Xiaoqing River, climbed to the highest point, and gazed into the distance.
The Xiaoqing River was truly magical. Surrounded by ice and snow, only the river flowed eastward incessantly, and mist rose from the river in layers.
However, as he watched, Chen Xiaobei began to sense something was wrong.
Liu Ziming and Liu Ziliang, who were responsible for protecting Chen Xiaobei, saw Chen Xiaobei looking around and couldn't help but ask, "Son-in-law, what are you looking at? The meal is ready, let's go back to eat. We have to travel after eating."
Chen Xiaobei shook his head and took the two with him to see Zhao Guangzong.
Upon seeing Zhao Guangzong, Chen Xiaobei was very polite, cupped his fists and bowed, saying, "General Zhao, I have a small idea I'd like to discuss with you."
Zhao Guangzong was clearly flattered and returned the bow, smiling and saying, "Brother Xiaobei, you are too kind."
"Just say whatever you want."
Xiaobei pointed to the Xiaoqing River behind him, "General Zhao, if you were a general of the Great Tu Kingdom and wanted to block us within the Great Tu Kingdom, what would you choose?"
Zhao Guangzong was stunned by these words. He looked at Chen Xiaobei and asked in surprise, "I don't quite understand what you mean." Su Dan Novel Network
Chen Xiaobei nodded. This was understandable, as Zhao Guangzong's mind was probably filled with the thought of returning to the Great Tu Kingdom as quickly as possible.
Chen Xiaobei did not blame him, as he was more concerned about how Liu Rumei would get through, while Zhao Guangzong only needed to consider the immediate situation.
"General Zhao, if I were the emperor of the Great Tu Kingdom and wanted to surround Rumei, I would send people to destroy this stone bridge and then station troops on the other side. What do you think Rumei would do then?"
Chen Xiaobei's words stunned Zhao Guangzong.
Liu Ziming and Liu Ziliang, who were on the side, were even more shocked. Yes, they hadn't thought of this. Their orders were to protect Chen Xiaobei, so they would protect Chen Xiaobei.
After a moment of stunned silence, Zhao Guangzong suddenly stood up, his expression respectful. He bowed to Chen Xiaobei with great deference, "Son-in-law, you said this in a timely manner. It is my own shallowness. I only wanted to retreat quickly into Cangcang Kingdom and did not think of this."
Seeing Zhao Guangzong's reaction, Liu Ziming and Liu Ziliang were also very happy.
"Yes, son-in-law, we all overlooked it. You are the one who thinks things through."
Zhao Guangzong's expression became serious, "Son-in-law, please wait a moment, I will make arrangements now."
Soon, Zhao Guangzong's orders were issued: twenty thousand men on this side of the bridge, and twenty thousand on the other side, to ensure the stone bridge was protected.
This was no ordinary stone bridge; it was related to the lives and fortunes of Liu Rumei and her companions.
Watching the busy crowd, Chen Xiaobei relaxed a little. He turned to Liu Ziming and Liu Ziliang and said, "Immediately send people to meet Rumei. Tell her the situation is urgent and to retreat as quickly as possible."
"Discard everything you are carrying. If possible, even discard the soldiers' armor. Run as fast as you can."
Upon hearing this, Liu Ziming and Liu Ziliang were startled.
"Son-in-law, if the armor is discarded, we will be at a disadvantage if we encounter an enemy ambush and have to fight."
Chen Xiaobei pointed to the soldiers in the distance, "We claim to have three hundred thousand men, but we have only brought fifty thousand. After multiple battles, the actual number is less than forty thousand."
"I think after we retreat, the Great Tu Kingdom will definitely react. It's impossible for a three hundred thousand strong army to retreat that quickly. They will definitely send people to pursue us at full speed."
"After passing Xiaoqing River, we are still five hundred li from the border. If the soldiers are fully armored, their maximum speed is one hundred li a day. Even if they travel day and night, it will take at least three to four days to cross the border."
"Guests, if we travel light and discard our heavy armor, and march rapidly from Xiaoqing River for a day and a night, we will be almost back."
After hearing Chen Xiaobei's words, Liu Ziming and Liu Ziliang also agreed. They now realized that every day they stayed in the Great Tu Kingdom was not just one more day of danger, but several times more.
Soon, several fast horses galloped out of the camp.
At this time, Liu Rumei, leading her subordinates, was also hastily retreating.
To save time, they could not cook lunch and only ate something by the roadside, resting briefly.
Just then, a scout from the rear rushed to report, "Reporting to Miss Liu, the enemy's elite forces have all come out. A hundred thousand troops are pursuing us from behind, about half a day's journey away."
Hearing this, Liu Rumei did not panic, but instead nodded slightly. It would be strange if they didn't pursue; pursuing was normal.
"Good. Relay the order: brief rest, and set off again after the time it takes for one incense stick to burn."
While they were desperately retreating, the scene in Wannian City was different.
Xiao An resumed his seat in the Hall of Diligent Governance and ordered that he would personally interrogate Zhu Meng.
Zhu Meng had already woken up after simple treatment. His wounds were also simply treated, but it was not necessary to treat them too meticulously, as his head was about to be chopped off.
Zhu Meng was brought into the main hall. Looking at Xiao An, who was seated on the throne, he was filled with regret, so much so that his intestines turned green.
If he had not followed Sun Yuliang's foolish actions, he would still be the Grand Marshal. He would still be standing in the imperial court, holding a high position.
But now he had become a prisoner, and Xiao An was still on the throne.