A few people hid, and the people from Daguo arrived. They looked from a distance, as if they found nothing unusual, and then cautiously walked into the ditch. The same fate awaited them, and they were dealt with in a flash.
After dealing with these two, only four or five soldiers from Daguo were left on the official road.
Liu Rumei pondered for a moment and said to Zheng Zhun and others, "I'll run out later, you chase after me, and when you catch up, we'll act together..."
After speaking, Liu Rumei got up and took off her outer clothes. In this cold weather, it took courage. This scene made Zheng Zhun's eyes well up with tears. To rescue his brothers, Miss Liu was really giving it her all.
Liu Rumei quickly rushed out of the deep ditch, running and shouting for help loudly in the Daguo language.
The few Daguo soldiers guarding the official road were a little stunned when they saw this. But then they saw Zheng Zhun and others chasing them with swords, and their sense of justice exploded. These people ran towards Liu Rumei, let her go, and confronted Zheng Zhun and the others.
Unexpectedly, Liu Rumei, who had reached their backs, suddenly attacked, and with little effort, dealt with these people as well while they were engaged in a fierce fight with Zheng Zhun and the others.
Xiao Qing hugged Liu Rumei's coat and quickly ran over to help Liu Rumei put it on. Meanwhile, Zheng Zhun had already untied Zheng Hai and the others and brought Zheng Hai over.
The brothers, lifting their clothes, knelt before Liu Rumei, "Thank you, Miss, for saving our lives."
Liu Rumei waved her hand, "Get up quickly, you two, there's no need to be polite. Zheng Hai, what happened?"
Zheng Hai sighed, "Alas, I wanted to bring my brothers back home quietly, but unexpectedly, we were ambushed by the enemy when we were about to reach Xiaoqing River and were captured. We heard we were being sent to Qingguang City. Fortunately, you rescued us, otherwise, we would have been in grave danger."
Hearing Zheng Hai's words, Liu Rumei felt a pang of guilt.
She had killed Black Ox and shouldn't have been soft-hearted and let Harry go. Otherwise, it wouldn't have caused such big trouble, and Xiaoqing River would have been undefended.
Zheng Hai and the others wanted to return home easily and happily, but now because she caused such a big problem, many of her subordinates would suffer.
As the commander, she couldn't abandon her subordinates.
After a brief consideration, Liu Rumei had an idea. She said to Zheng Zhun and others, "Our brothers are in trouble, and we cannot stand by and do nothing. We'll change into these Daguo people's clothes and go near Qingguang City to ambush them. If we encounter our captured brothers, we'll rescue them secretly. What do you think?"
Zheng Zhun's spirit soared when he heard this. He patted his chest, "Miss Liu is right, we cannot abandon our brothers. We came together, and we should go back together."
Only Xiao Qing opened her mouth but didn't speak. While they went into the cave to change clothes, Xiao Qing quietly said, "Miss, we should return to our country first and report our safety to my father and uncle before returning. I'm afraid they will worry..."
Liu Rumei thought for a moment and shook her head slightly, "Even if we change into these clothes, crossing Xiaoqing River is impossible. Instead of waiting here in苦苦, it's better to rescue a few brothers first."
"The more we cause trouble inside, the faster they will withdraw from Xiaoqing River. Then we will send someone back to inform my father and husband."
Hearing Liu Rumei's arrangement, Xiao Qing was unhappy but could do nothing but sigh.
Liu Rumei knew that Xiao Qing was worried about her safety, but she had no choice now. As the commander, how could she abandon her subordinates and leave?
After changing into Daguo soldiers' attire, Liu Rumei could also speak the Daguo language, which made things much easier along the way. They could act openly now.
That night, they found an inn, each took their rooms, and slept soundly.
Meanwhile, as night fell, the imperial palace of Da Cang was brightly lit.
Despite the cold weather, the atmosphere was warm. The celebration banquet began.
Because too many people were participating, the Hall of Diligent Governance, where discussions were held, was definitely not large enough to accommodate everyone. Apart from the Emperor and a few high-ranking officials, all other civil and military officials had to eat in the square outside the main hall.
Chen Xiaobei was also invited to the banquet. Standing in a corner, he saw this scene and recalled that in his past life, he had read many ancient books.
When he was studying, it was often mentioned that in ancient times, when the emperor held large banquets, even hundred-elder banquets, and banquets to celebrate the birthdays of many elderly people, they were held in the courtyards of the imperial palace.
Many times, even when it was snowing, the invited guests had to eat, which sounded like a thankless task.
At this moment, Bai Han, Zhou Quan, and the Lotus Sect Leader Shen Ziyan were vigilantly watching their surroundings in the darkness.
Bai Han and Zhou Quan both understood that if the Daguo assassins, the Black Wolf Guards, did not appear at such a banquet, they would probably have already left, and they could breathe a sigh of relief.
Everything proceeded as usual. After the dishes were served, Yang Yi, the Minister of Rites, read out an effusive official document full of flattery. Then everyone knelt down, shouted "Long live the Emperor" three times, and then started eating.
Almost all the civil and military officials were unaware of the true purpose of this banquet, and they ate heartily.
While they ate with relish, Zhou Quan and Bai Han, who were hidden and observing, dared not be careless. Suddenly, Bai Han gently touched Zhou Quan's arm, "Look at the eastern palace roof. Are there a few more black dots?"
Zhou Quan looked up, and indeed, on the distant palace roof, the originally smooth eaves now had black protrusions one by one. It was clear that someone was hiding there. This meant that the bait had been taken.
Zhou Quan quietly retreated, passed through several rooms, went out through another exit, and then blended into the crowd to quietly pass the message to his subordinates who were disguised as officials and eating at the banquet.
A guard was arranged at every banquet table. At first, these officials were puzzled why there was a stranger at every table.
But when the stranger spoke, they understood.
Then, the Imperial Guards explained the purpose of this operation to these officials and made a request: if there was an attack later, they should immediately crouch down or hide under the table.
At this time, the Lotus Sect Leader and Shen Ziyan also noticed the abnormality on the roof.
Their mission was to quickly occupy the high ground and observe from above when the enemy attacked, capturing any escapees and ensuring that not a single one escaped.
Therefore, the two of them were already quietly moving towards the main hall. They were dressed as palace maids and served dishes in and out of the hall, so no one suspected them.