As Xiao An gave the order, Bai Han immediately turned and went out. Not long after, he returned with Fang Zheng. After entering, Fang Zheng respectfully lifted his clothes, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed to Xiao An.
"Old minister Fang Zheng, greets Your Majesty, may you live ten thousand years."
Xiao An waved his hand, "Aiqing, rise. What brings you to see me?"
Although full of confidence before, when the Emperor truly asked, Fang Zheng still hesitated for a moment. He recalled Liu Kai's words, and Liu Xiangnan wished him not to plead for him anymore, but to advise the Emperor to investigate the source of the rumors.
With this thought, Fang Zheng cupped his fists and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this old minister believes that the matter of Marquis Liu is truly strange, as if overnight, rumors have spread throughout Wannian City."
"This old minister dares to ask Your Majesty to order a thorough investigation into this matter and see who is spreading rumors."
Hearing Fang Zheng's words, Xiao An was stunned.
This was clearly beyond his expectations. He had thought Fang Zheng was here to plead for Liu Xiangnan.
Xiao An slowly stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, and walked from behind his desk to Fang Zheng. "Aiqing, you mean someone is framing him."
Fang Zheng could not discern Xiao An's attitude and still said with a solemn and serious expression, "Yes, Your Majesty. Think about it, why did the rumors start after the Great Tu and Great Lin countries withdrew their troops?"
Xiao An snorted dismissively, "Where there's smoke, there's fire. Why don't people spread rumors about you, Fang Zheng, intending to seize power? I think he most likely fell into someone's trap. I'll investigate it first."
Hearing this, Fang Zheng felt a chill in his heart. Although it wasn't said too directly, it was clear that the Emperor had rejected his suggestion. This meant the Emperor's focus was on Liu Xiangnan's supposed ambition for rebellion, rather than on who was spreading the rumors.
Since that was the case, there was no point in him staying any longer.
With this thought, Fang Zheng could only cup his fists again, "Your Majesty, please reconsider. Marquis Liu, he is devoted to the country..."
"Marquis Liu Xiangnan's second son died in battle, and his daughter is by the Crown Prince's side, bravely fighting. Such a loyal family..."
Before he could finish, Xiao An slammed his palm on the table.
"Enough, enough."
"What loyal family? Are you trying to plead for him again? I think Liu Rumei seems more like a spy placed by the Crown Prince's side."
Hearing this, Fang Zheng was speechless. However, despite his speechlessness, he was helpless. After all, the other party was the Emperor.
Leaving the imperial palace, Fang Zheng's mood was very low. He hadn't expected that in just a few days, the Emperor would become like this.
And Liu Rumei, who was equally unhappy that morning, was stunned after receiving another message from Liu Kai.
Why didn't even the Crown Prince's letter work? Thinking this, she hurried to see the Crown Prince again. "You'll see this in a moment."
Xiao Jingyun took the letter handed over by Liu Rumei and was also dumbfounded after reading it.
"How is this possible? I told Father Emperor..."
Halfway through his sentence, Xiao Jingyun stopped.
He looked at Liu Rumei, "In that case, let's ride day and night. We can reach Wannian City in at most three days."
Hearing Xiao Jingyun's words, Liu Rumei couldn't describe her feelings. She was actually a little disappointed. She had originally hoped that Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun would rush back to Wannian City day and night to rescue her father. However, Xiao Jingyun had only said they would hurry on their way and had no intention of traveling at night.
At this moment, Liu Rumei could only express her eagerness. She cupped her fists, "Your Highness, please allow me to return ahead of time to make arrangements and welcome your triumphant return."
Hearing Liu Rumei's words, Xiao Jingyun naturally understood that Liu Rumei was anxious to return to urge him.
Thinking of this, he changed his words, "No need, you accompany me. We will travel day and night and return as soon as possible."
Seeing that the Crown Prince understood her intentions, Liu Rumei had to take a step back, "Rumei obeys your command."
Seeing Liu Rumei agree, Xiao Jingyun began to comfort her, "Rumei, don't worry when things happen. We'll be back soon."
Hearing the Crown Prince's words, Liu Rumei nodded. At this point, she had no better option than to agree. Things had already come to this.
Meanwhile, in Hetou Village.
Feng Xiaoyue came to bid farewell to Chen Xiaobei and Cui Hongyu. Finally, at Chen Xiaobei's insistence, Cui Hongyu gave up the idea of accompanying Chen Xiaobei into Wannian City and instead entrusted this important task to Yang Zhi.
Yang Zhi had to pass through Wannian City to return to the Great Tu Kingdom, and with their skills, it was much safer than Chen Xiaobei accompanying her.
Cui Hongyu handed the bundle in her hand to Feng Xiaoyue and said affectionately, "Little Sister Xiaoyue, come back soon after you've finished your business. We all miss you!"
Feng Xiaoyue nodded vigorously, "Sister, don't worry, I will definitely come back!"
Yang Zhi and Yang Chun also came forward to bid farewell to Chen Xiaobei.
Seeing the brothers' excited expressions, Chen Xiaobei was also very happy. After all, they were far from home in Hetou Village, and returning to the Great Tu Kingdom was like a wanderer returning home.
Going home was always a happy occasion.
Chen Xiaobei patiently instructed Yang Zhi, "Brother Yang Zhi, you must ensure that Miss Xiaoyue is delivered to the Old Prime Minister's mansion."
Yang Zhi nodded, "Don't worry, I will naturally handle your future matters properly."
At this time, someone helped the severely injured and recently recovered Lardo over. After arriving, Lardo respectfully bowed to Chen Xiaobei, "Thank you, Brother Xiaobei. If it weren't for your help, I'm afraid I would have died on Qingniu Mountain long ago."
Chen Xiaobei quickly stepped forward to support him, "Thank you, helper. If you come to the Great Cang Kingdom again in the future, be sure to visit me."
Lardo nodded, then took off a thumb ring from his thumb and put it on Chen Xiaobei's finger.
"Our Vermilion Bird Gang still has some assets in Wannian City. If Brother Xiaobei ever goes to Wannian City, go to the horse market and have a drink with my brother Lamo."
Chen Xiaobei understood Lardo's meaning, which was that if he encountered any trouble in Wannian City, he could seek help from his brother Lamo.
After a round of farewells, Lardo called for everyone to start their journey.
At the entrance of Hetou Village, Liu Ce, Liu Tie, and others also came to see them off. After all, they had spent some time together, and their relationship was quite harmonious.
Yang Zhi bowed to Liu Ce, "Steward Liu, we will meet again."
Liu Ce raised his hand and patted Yang Zhi's shoulder, "Good brother, take care on your journey. We will meet again."
Then he looked at Yang Chun, "If you need anything, remember to send us a message."
Lardo, Xiaoyue, and others stepped forward to bid farewell one by one. The atmosphere at the scene was slightly somber.
Watching them walk away, Cui Hongyu sighed slightly, looking at Chen Xiaobei with a hint of regret.
"Brother Xiaobei, are you really not planning to go to the capital?"