Having confirmed that Zhu Meng would not return, Xiao Jingyun's courage naturally grew. Besides ordering the immediate encirclement of Qingniu County, he also commanded troops to search the mountains for Zhu Meng's remnants and supplies.
As dusk began to fall, Chen Xiaobei and his group descended the mountain. The reason they chose to come down at night was Chen Xiaobei's concern: what if they encountered Zhu Meng's soldiers during the day?
However, upon reaching the foot of the mountain, the scene before them filled them with surprise. The entire Hetou Village was dark, not a single light visible.
No light meant no soldiers, no people in the village.
"Strange, where did Zhu Meng's numerous troops go?" Chen Xiaobei couldn't help but marvel.
Even Liu Rumei was bewildered. The Crown Prince only had a hundred thousand troops. Even if Zhu Meng was completely routed, it was impossible for over two hundred thousand troops to be annihilated in a single day.
The group spread out to investigate.
To Chen Xiaobei's slight surprise, when he pushed open his own door, everything was still there. Even his various divine beasts had been well-fed. The eggs in the chicken coop were neatly arranged to the side.
Chen Xiaobei then checked a few neighboring houses. Although most of the courtyard gates were damaged and there were traces of habitation in the courtyards, the doors to the houses remained intact. This indicated that Zhu Meng's soldiers had only used the courtyards and had not entered the rooms. The chickens and ducks raised in each household were also well cared for.
This scene made Chen Xiaobei quite emotional. It seemed that Zhu Meng was not an utterly wicked person, but merely someone with differing political views.
As he was observing this, he heard a commotion outside. Chen Xiaobei stepped out and saw a group of people at the foot of the mountain, carrying torches and walking noisily. To his slight surprise, Cui San was at the forefront.
Upon seeing Chen Xiaobei, Cui San appeared somewhat awkward, but he had to brace himself and greet him, after all, they were passing through his village.
"Ah, isn't this Chen, yes, Magistrate Chen."
Chen Xiaobei nodded. Outwardly, he had to pretend to be ignorant, "Where are you all going?"
"Oh, we helped the official army transport some supplies a few days ago and stayed on the mountain for a few days. Now that the official army has withdrawn, we're coming down."
Chen Xiaobei feigned surprise, "You mean the official army has all left?"
"Yes, the main force has withdrawn. There are only a few official soldiers left on the mountain, who told us to come down."
As they were talking, a sound of horse hooves could be heard. Then, a vast expanse of torchlight appeared at the entrance of the village. The torchlight illuminated gleaming armor; the official army had arrived.
Seeing this, everyone felt uneasy. Cui San immediately shouted, "Quick, hide!"
The villagers began to stir, about to scatter in all directions, but Liu Rumei suddenly exclaimed with pleasant surprise, "Don't be afraid, it's our people."
Hearing Liu Rumei's words, everyone immediately quieted down and waited. As the official army approached Liu Rumei, the leader jumped off his horse and clasped his fists, "Qi Chong pays his respects to Miss Liu."
Liu Rumei nodded, "General Qi, where are you heading?"
"On the order of His Highness the Crown Prince, to search and apprehend remnants of the enemy."
"Remnants of the enemy? Then where did Zhu Meng and his men go?" Liu Rumei immediately retorted.
"Oh, Miss Liu, you don't know yet? Zhu Meng has already led his troops and fled towards Jizhou."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaobei, who was standing nearby, suddenly became overjoyed.
"Really? Has Zhu Meng truly retreated?"
After receiving Qi Chong's affirmative reply, Chen Xiaobei clenched his right fist and swung it vigorously in the air twice.
"Wonderful! Tomorrow, all the villagers can return!"
Watching Chen Xiaobei's excited expression, Liu Rumei's heart suddenly warmed. Indeed, what could be more exciting than returning home?
Liu Rumei borrowed over a dozen horses from Qi Chong and rushed back to pay respects to Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun.
Seeing their return, Xiao Jingyun appeared extremely excited.
"You have made a great contribution. The tactic of burning the encampment was truly brilliant, exceptionally clever."
Liu Rumei looked at Chen Xiaobei, "These were all Big Brother Xiaobei's ideas."
Chen Xiaobei understood Liu Rumei's intention to credit him with the achievement, but in all honesty, he did not want these merits.
Xiao Jingyun cast a look of approval at Chen Xiaobei, "Brother Xiaobei, you have worked hard. Tell me, what reward do you desire?"
Chen Xiaobei shook his head, "Your Highness, since Zhu Meng has already retreated, please grant me permission to leave immediately. I wish to lead all the villagers back to our homes tomorrow."
This… this was somewhat beyond Xiao Jingyun's expectations. To achieve such a great feat and ask for nothing but to go home. However, since it was a voluntary request, Xiao Jingyun really could not force Chen Xiaobei to stay.
"Very well, Brother Xiaobei, please go home first and settle the people. I will pay you a visit later."
Chen Xiaobei bid farewell to the Crown Prince and galloped towards Wengong Ridge. By the time he arrived at Wengong Ridge, it was the third watch of the night.
At this time, Cui Hongyu was not sleepy at all. She sat at a table, lost in thought, gazing at the oil lamp. Just then, a very light knock echoed.
Cui Hongyu smiled faintly, "Sister Huang Ying, come in."
Chen Xiaobei, outside, heard this and was stunned. It was clearly him, so why was she calling for Huang Ying? As he was momentarily dazed, Cui Hongyu added, "Zhu Meng's army has retreated, and your Brother Xiaobei is safe. Don't worry."
What was this? Chen Xiaobei was a bit bewildered. He still lightly coughed. Then, he slowly pushed open the door.
Upon hearing the cough, Cui Hongyu immediately realized that the person outside was not Huang Ying. She was too familiar with this cough; it was the Chen Xiaobei she had been longing for, who had returned!
Cui Hongyu shot up from her seat and rushed towards the door. Chen Xiaobei pushed the door open, and Cui Hongyu had already reached the entrance.
Their eyes met, and they gazed at each other, neither speaking.
A moment later, Chen Xiaobei pulled Cui Hongyu into his embrace. The next instant, their lips were pressed tightly together. As they kissed, Chen Xiaobei did not forget to lift his foot and close the door behind him.
Chen Xiaobei felt a fire burning within his chest. This fire threatened to melt him, and also melt Cui Hongyu. He swept Cui Hongyu into his arms and walked towards the bed.
Just then, a sound of footsteps echoed, and the door behind them opened. Huang Ying burst in like a whirlwind.
"Big Brother Xiaobei..."
Before she could finish her sentence, she saw Chen Xiaobei carrying Cui Hongyu towards the bed. Huang Ying's face instantly turned red, and she quickly covered her eyes.
"Oh dear, oh dear, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
Clearly, Huang Ying lacked experience in such matters. While apologizing, she stood rooted to the spot, unsure what to do.
Cui Hongyu opened her eyes and shyly struggled out of Chen Xiaobei's embrace. However, having been married, her composure was slightly better. Cui Hongyu walked forward and took Huang Ying's hand. "Sister, you've come at the perfect time. Big Brother Xiaobei just arrived."