Soon a group of people arrived at Xiao Family Town and met Leopard through Feng Xiaoyue again.
Upon seeing Leopard, Zhou Quan, standing beside the Crown Prince, immediately exclaimed, "Brother Leopard, is that you?"
Leopard's eyes widened as he looked at Zhou Quan, then he grinned and said, "Brother Zhou, how is it you?"
Great, since they were acquaintances, things would be easier. Zhou Quan briefly introduced the Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun, Princess, and others. Leopard stepped forward to pay his respects.
After the pleasantries, Xiao Jingyun got straight to the point, "Leopard, tell us, how do you plan to rescue Chen Qiao'er?"
Leopard chuckled, "Your Highness, it's simple. I used to serve as a deputy under Zhu Meng's subordinate, Zhu Yan. Zhu Yan's unit was responsible for guarding the perimeter of Zhu Meng's camp, so I know them all very well. If we wear military uniforms, we can move freely within the camp."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun was greatly impressed.
It was like a former employee returning to their company and being able to walk around freely. Zhu Meng's military discipline was severely lacking.
In other words, Leopard's methods were extraordinary.
The group chatted as they headed towards Hetou Village.
After walking about seven or eight li, they saw lights ahead, indicating they had reached Zhu Meng's camp.
Leopard told everyone to wait there and went forward alone.
Before long, Leopard returned with several large bundles on his shoulders and several long spears.
Leopard placed the bundles in front of everyone and said, "Brother Zhou, choose five people to change into the uniforms, and then choose two to pretend to be prisoners. Tie them up and bring them with me. I'll take you to rescue her."
As the saying goes, there's a way for every situation. Leopard had so easily obtained so many military uniforms and weapons; their methods were astounding.
Leopard led the group into the enemy camp. After waiting for about half an hour, Zhou Quan rushed back, carrying a sack on his back.
Behind him followed seven or eight people, all guards brought by Zhou Quan.
When they opened the sack, it contained Chen Qiao'er.
Upon seeing Qiao'er, Cui Hongyu cried tears of joy and held her tightly.
Chen Qiao'er also tightly hugged Cui Hongyu's neck and said with a choked voice, "Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, where have you been all these days? You didn't come to see me."
Cui Hongyu smiled and said, "Sister-in-law has been busy these days. I'll take you home now."
Xiao Jingyun looked at Zhou Quan and asked in surprise, "Where is that Leopard?"
Zhou Quan waved his hand, "He went to return the clothes. He told us to leave first."
Xiao Jingyun shook his head, "No, no. How can we abandon Leopard, who came with us? We should wait for him to return."
At this point, Feng Xiaoyue, who had been silent, spoke up, "Your Highness, we should go. Brother Leopard is meticulous in his work. If he said for us to go first, he'll be fine."
Cui Hongyu's heart stirred as she remembered refusing Leopard's money last night. She instantly understood; Leopard didn't want to see them again and didn't want to accept the reward.
With this thought, Cui Hongyu also said, "Since that's the case, Your Highness, let's go. Brother Leopard will be fine."
As they walked back, Xiao Jingyun pondered. Even with Zhu Meng's lax defenses, he would notice Chen Qiao'er's disappearance. What action would Zhu Meng take tomorrow?
After hearing his concerns, Princess Zhaoning said dismissively, "Brother Emperor, you don't need to worry. Even if they attack Centipede Ridge, I will make sure they never return."
The words were unintentional, but they struck a chord. Xiao Jingyun frowned. It was indeed possible.
If Zhu Meng went mad and attacked Centipede Ridge, he couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
Thinking of this, he called Zhou Quan over again and whispered, "Tonight, all of us will return to Centipede Ridge and set up defenses immediately. If Zhu Meng discovers the person is missing tomorrow, he might attack the mountain."
Liu Rumei listened to Xiao Jingyun's arrangements and was very grateful. She had actually thought of this, but didn't know what to do.
The next morning, as dawn broke, several horses appeared at the foot of Centipede Ridge.
The sentries on the mountain couldn't help but exclaim, "It's Miss Liu returning!"
Indeed, it was Chen Xiaobei and Liu Rumei and others. Driven by their longing to return, they had rushed day and night like madmen and finally reached Centipede Ridge that morning.
Cui Hongyu had already woken up and was directing everyone to make porridge and breakfast.
With the sudden addition of dozens of people from Xiao Jingyun's group to feed, the workload was not light.
Upon hearing that Chen Xiaobei had returned, Cui Hongyu threw down her spoon and rushed towards the mountain stronghold's entrance.
Chen Xiaobei was just arriving at the entrance of the stronghold, greeting the people around him enthusiastically.
Suddenly, he saw a figure rush over and throw himself into his arms.
It was Cui Hongyu.
Cui Hongyu, disregarding the eyes of others, held Chen Xiaobei tightly, unwilling to let go for a moment.
At this time, Huang Ying and the Lotus Cult Master also embraced Shen Ziyan, who had followed them. Everyone laughed and talked, enjoying this moment of joy.
Chen Xiaobei gently patted Cui Hongyu's shoulder and slowly pushed her away slightly. "Hongyu, go make food quickly. I'm starving."
Cui Hongyu naturally understood that Chen Xiaobei was implying that she should be mindful of appearances in public.
After venting her emotions, Cui Hongyu wiped away her tears. "Okay, I'll go now, I'll go now."
She took a few steps, then suddenly turned back. "Oh, right, Crown Prince has already helped rescue Qiao'er last night."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaobei was first stunned, then turned to look at Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun, lifted the hem of his robe, and was about to kneel.
"Thank you, Your Highness. Chen Xiaobei has no way to repay you..."
Seeing him about to kneel, Xiao Jingyun stepped forward and stopped his arm. "Hey, Brother Xiaobei, why such a grand gesture? We don't need to be so formal between us."
Xiao Jingyun addressing Chen Xiaobei as brother shocked everyone present.
Even Princess Zhaoning gently tugged her brother's robe. "Brother Emperor, why don't you let Chen Xiaobei wash his face and eat first."
Xiao Jingyun certainly understood his sister's intention. He smiled calmly, "Jing Feng, from now on, you should call Chen Xiaobei 'brother' when you see him, understand?"
Princess Zhaoning's eyes widened as she looked at her brother. "Brother Emperor, I..."
Xiao Jingyun glared, "If it weren't for Xiaobei, who single-handedly rode thousands of miles to the capital quietly, we would still be hiding on Qingniu Mountain. What 'I'..."
This reason was enough. Princess Zhaoning immediately put on a smile and gave Chen Xiaobei a sweet smile. "Brother Xiaobei, you've worked hard. Let's go eat."
Princess Zhaoning's change of expression again made everyone laugh heartily.
Meanwhile, in Zhu Meng's camp, chaos had erupted.
Facing his generals, Zhu Meng slammed the table and cursed.