Chen Xiaobei looked at Cui Hongyu and said earnestly, "Hongyu, I told you long ago that Brother Yang Zhi is capable. I should stay home with you."
After leaving Hetou Village and turning onto the main road, Lardo turned to Feng Xiaoyue beside him.
"Miss Xiaoyue, you will have to endure some hardship next."
Feng Xiaoyue nodded, "I will do as the gang leader arranges."
Lardo nodded, then said loudly to everyone, "Everyone, work harder and advance at full speed. We won't be able to stop and rest until the third watch at the earliest."
For these people, traveling a thousand miles during the day and eight hundred at night was commonplace, so pushing on until the third watch was not a problem.
Hetou Village soon returned to peace. Liu Ce still arranged for people to transport supplies down from the mountain, Chen Xiaobei led people to build houses, and Chen Dayong led people to make charcoal.
Cui Hongyu led the people to prepare food, and everything seemed harmonious and beautiful.
Meanwhile, in Wannian City, Fang Zheng was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
He had met the Emperor, but not only did he fail to rescue Liu Xiangnan, but even his request to investigate the source of the rumors was not approved.
Back in his study, Fang Zheng sat down and kept sighing.
His grandson, Fang Jun, couldn't help but comfort him, "Grandfather, everything is destined. Perhaps Marquis Liu is fated to have this tribulation."
Fang Zheng waved his hand, "Alas, it's not that simple. I think the Emperor knows very well that he must know these are not true."
Upon hearing this, Fang Jun was also stunned. "Impossible. Grandfather, you say the Emperor knows these are rumors, but why does he still imprison Marquis Liu?"
Fang Zheng's eyes became a little complex. "When I went to see the Emperor, I could tell his movements were slow, his eyes were listless, and his energy was far from what it used to be."
"It seems National Teacher Sun Yuliang's matter has greatly affected him. I guess the Emperor is likely to abdicate."
Hearing this, Fang Jun was even more surprised. "But with the Crown Prince ascending the throne, wouldn't Marquis Liu's assistance be even more needed? With old ministers like you..."
Fang Zheng waved his hand, "No, you've got it backward. On the contrary, Liu Xiangnan has extremely high prestige in the army. Anyone would be worried, no matter who it is. This is a good opportunity to take down Liu Xiangnan, which is reasonable and clears the obstacles for the Crown Prince's enthronement."
As he spoke, he looked at his grandson. "After Liu Xiangnan is taken down, the next ones will likely be us."
"I hope the Emperor will be lenient and allow me to wait for the person I'm waiting for to fulfill my wish."
Fang Jun looked at his grandfather with even more surprise in his eyes.
"Grandfather, can your wish still be fulfilled? It's uncertain whether Lord Feng's daughter can survive."
Fang Zheng raised his hand and shook it slightly, his face firm. "The heavens protect the good. I believe Xiaoyue is definitely still alive, but I'm just worried that Feng Xiaoyue won't receive her father's letter."
As he spoke, he slowly stood up, paced to the window, and looked outside.
Outside the window was a tree, most of whose leaves had fallen. The sunlight shone through, casting dappled shadows on the window.
A gust of wind blew, and the branches trembled slightly. The shadows flickered, sometimes bright, sometimes dark, before the old prime minister's eyes.
After a long period of contemplation, he slowly turned to look at Fang Jun again. "Send more people out to inquire. I think if Xiaoyue received the letter, she should have arrived in the capital by now."
Time flew by, and two days passed in the blink of an eye. It was evening on this day.
Lardo and Yang Zhi, along with others, had already approached Wannian City with Feng Xiaoyue. Looking at the majestic capital in the twilight, everyone became excited.
"Brothers, Wannian City is just ahead. Let's get there and have a good rest tonight, with plenty of food and wine."
As he shouted, Lardo whipped his horse again.
Seeing the capital within reach, Feng Xiaoyue's heart was filled with mixed emotions. Tears streamed down her face as she secretly prayed, "Father, you must hold on. Daughter will see Prime Minister Fang tomorrow."
They galloped their horses and soon entered Wannian City.
After entering the city, led by Lardo, they headed straight for the large market.
It was already dark, so the stallholders in the market had naturally withdrawn. Even the shops along the streets, except for a few wine shops where people came and went lively, had mostly closed for the night.
Lardo led the group through the market and headed for the horse market in the southwest corner.
At the very back of the cattle and horse market was a spacious courtyard.
A large flag hung at the entrance, bearing only one character: "La."
This was the business owned by Lardo's brother, La Mu, as he had mentioned.
At the entrance of the courtyard, a man in fine clothes was pacing back and forth anxiously.
Upon hearing the sound of horses' hooves, his eyes flickered with hope.
After a careful look, seeing that it was Lardo, the man dashed forward, waving and shouting, "Big Brother, Big Brother."
Lardo jumped off his horse upon hearing the shout. He opened his arms, "La Mu, it's good to see you."
The brothers embraced tightly, patting each other's shoulders affectionately.
After a long while, they looked at each other and burst into laughter. After they had laughed enough, Lardo pointed to Yang Zhi and the others behind him. "This is Yang Zhi, and the others. You haven't seen them in years, have you?"
La Mu waved and signaled for the shop assistants guarding the courtyard entrance to come and help lead the horses. Then he stepped forward and greeted everyone one by one. However, when he saw Feng Xiaoyue, he was stunned.
He looked at Feng Xiaoyue while turning his head to look at Lardo, as if asking who she was.
Lardo then came back to his senses and laughed heartily, "Ah, this is Miss Xiaoyue. She came to the city on business and just happened to follow along."
"Right, hurry to the inn ahead and book a superior room for Miss Xiaoyue to stay in."
Feng Xiaoyue stepped forward slightly. "Gang leader, I can just make do with a simple place for the night."
Lardo smiled and waved his hand, "How can that be? Brother Xiaobei specifically asked me to take care of you. If I don't, he'll blame me."
Then he turned to his brother again. "By the way, I have a good brother in Hetou Village named Chen Xiaobei. If he comes to the capital, you must not neglect him."
La Mu nodded cheerfully. "Don't worry, Big Brother. Your brothers are my brothers. I will definitely entertain them with good food and wine."
As he spoke, he turned to the people beside him and instructed them to find a suitable place for Feng Xiaoyue to stay.
At this time, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun was also about forty to fifty li away from Wannian City. Liu Rumei, eager to return home, was at the forefront of the group.
Seeing his eagerness, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun naturally did not suggest resting and called out to everyone to return before dark. Sudan Novel Network
Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, Xiao An sat behind his desk, preoccupied and worried.
Bai Han stepped forward and cautiously reminded him, "Your Majesty, it's already dark. You should go and have your meal first."