After considering this point, Xiao Jingyun slapped the table and exclaimed repeatedly, "Good, good, brother Xiaobei, your idea is excellent."
"I will go see my father immediately. With this method you suggested, we can definitely round up these villains and eliminate this hidden danger. Afterward, we can also arrange your wedding with Jingfeng."
Chen Xiaobei heard this and forced a wry smile. After a long detour, they had circled back.
Soon, imperial decrees were posted all over Wannian City. To celebrate the great victory over the Great Tugu Kingdom, the entire city would have three days of festivities. The Emperor dispatched people to open the granaries and distribute grain and meat to the people, clearly intending to share their joy. He also set up many mobile wine stalls throughout the city, where the commoners could get a pot of wine every day.
This was an unprecedented event in Wannian City. The city's residents were happier than they were during the New Year.
Upon hearing this news, Liu Xiangnan repeatedly shook his head. "Alas, the father and son of the Xiao family have become too complacent. With the external threat still present, they are celebrating so extravagantly. This is truly imprudent."
As the saying goes, bystanders see clearly while those involved are blinded. Liu Xiangnan's mind was preoccupied with worry for his daughter, Liu Rumei, and he clearly paid no attention to these matters, thus failing to see the hidden scheme behind it all.
Meanwhile, Liu Rumei, whom he was desperately missing, had been hiding in the mountain cave for several days, sending people out daily to survey the surroundings.
For the past few days, everything had been peaceful, but today, Zheng Zhun, who was responsible for the lookout, rushed back.
"Miss, I saw soldiers passing by on the official road in the distance, and it seems they were escorting some people."
Upon hearing this, Liu Rumei quickly emerged from the cave, cautiously poking out half her head to look into the distance. On the distant official road, there was a troop of soldiers.
More than a dozen soldiers from the Great Tugu Kingdom were escorting four or five strong young men.
After a closer look, Xiao Qing whispered, "The ones being escorted seem to be our people."
At this moment, Zheng Zhun next to him couldn't help but exclaim, "Look! Isn't that Zheng Hai? He's my brother!"
Upon hearing this, everyone's hearts immediately tensed. After a careful observation, Zheng Zhun clenched his fist. "Zheng Hai has been captured! Miss, please grant me permission to take men and rescue them!"
At this point, Xiao Qing spoke up. "Miss, perhaps we should follow them and make our move after they have passed. If we act here, and they discover our hiding place, it will be troublesome."
Listening to Xiao Qing's words, Zheng Zhun also fell silent. He considered that Xiao Qing's point had merit. It was indeed not easy to find a hiding place. If their location were discovered by the enemy, they would no longer be able to stay here.
Liu Rumei watched the soldiers approaching in the distance. After a moment of thought, she had an idea. She turned to Xiao Qing and said in a deep voice, "You are right, Xiao Qing. If we rush out now, there is indeed a risk of exposure. But the ones they captured are our brothers. If we let them go, and something goes wrong, and we lose the chance to rescue Zheng Hai and the others, I will regret it for the rest of my life!"
Hearing Liu Rumei's words, Xiao Qing could only remain silent. It was clear she intended to rescue them, and anything she said would be useless.
Of course, Liu Rumei was not a reckless person. If she were to rescue them, she naturally had a plan.
Liu Rumei led her men back and asked Zheng Zhun and the others in a stern voice, "Who among you can speak the language of the Great Tugu Kingdom?"
Everyone shook their heads.
Seeing this, Liu Rumei smiled and said to them, "Since none of you can speak it, then listen to my arrangement. I can speak the language of the Great Tugu Kingdom. In a moment, I will shout for help in their language. I believe they will hear me within this few miles, and a woman's voice will definitely attract their attention. You all hide nearby and when they come to investigate, kill them."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Zhun and the others' eyes lit up. This was indeed a good plan. After discussing it, they each found a hiding spot. Liu Rumei then poked out half her body, waved towards the distance, and shouted for help.
Liu Rumei's guess was correct. The Great Tugu Kingdom soldiers marching in the distance heard someone shouting for help, and it was a woman's voice. They immediately stopped. The leader looked in their direction and waved his hand. Two soldiers, holding their weapons, quickly approached.
Seeing the two soldiers heading towards them, Liu Rumei felt a bit disappointed. There were over a dozen soldiers escorting them, and only two were sent. There were still eight or nine others, and she would have to find a way to deal with them slowly.
While contemplating, the two soldiers arrived. Liu Rumei, sword in hand, stood in a concealed spot, quietly waiting for the two soldiers to enter the gully.
The two soldiers, completely unprepared, approached while talking.
Seeing a deep gully, the two became somewhat vigilant and stopped. "I clearly saw the woman who was shouting for help right here, why has she suddenly disappeared?"
As they spoke, they looked around and finally saw the stone caves in the wall, and couldn't help but laugh.
"She was waving just now, why did she disappear? She must have been dragged into the cave."
As they spoke, they moved forward, unaware that Zheng Zhun and the others were approaching like ghosts from behind. In a flash, the two soldiers were dealt with.
This was the first time Liu Rumei had seen Zheng Zhun in action. Although he was still far from her own martial arts level, his skill was already far superior to that of ordinary soldiers.
"Quick, dispose of these two," Liu Rumei commanded loudly.
Zheng Zhun led his men to drag the bodies of the two soldiers into the woods and covered them with dry leaves.
Seeing that they had finished their task, Liu Rumei jumped back to the ground and continued to wave towards the distance while shouting for help.
This mysterious action made the Great Tugu Kingdom soldiers escorting them in the distance somewhat confused.
What was going on? They heard a cry for help earlier, and two men went to investigate.
Why was she still shouting?
The leader thought for a moment and waved his hand again. Two more soldiers approached.
Seeing two more men heading to their deaths, Liu Rumei's heart bloomed with joy.
She and Zheng Zhun and the others coordinated precisely, repeating the same tactic.
Soon, these two were also killed.
A total of four had been killed.
Liu Rumei now calmed herself.
Liu Rumei then ordered, "Everyone hide well. No one is allowed to show themselves now. I think they will come looking for us soon."
Liu Rumei's prediction was correct. After waiting for about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, the leader of the Great Tugu Kingdom soldiers became impatient when he saw no activity from their side.
He called another soldier and, bringing him along, decided to go ahead and investigate personally.
Seeing two more coming to their deaths, Liu Rumei's heart was filled with joy. She quickly said to Zheng Zhun and the others, "Everyone get ready. I think their leader is coming."
Everyone became even more excited, holding their daggers and hiding in concealed locations.