This caused Zhu Ziming to be unable to fulfill his promise to Feng Xiaoyue, and he even felt ashamed to face her.
Even more depressing were the series of farces happening outside the West Gate.
So many events revolving around Liu Xiangnan clearly indicated someone was orchestrating them from behind the scenes.
The "book in the fish belly" made Zhu Ziming realize there was another force pushing for the rescue of Lord Liu. But who could it be?
Liu Kai, like him, was also bewildered. The "book in the fish belly" had been very beneficial for rescuing Liu Xiangnan, but it had taken a sudden turn today. Sudan Novel Network.
"Head Steward, so many things happening around Lord, there must be something strange," Liu Ce spoke first.
Liu Kai nodded, "Indeed. To the common folk, this might seem like the will of heaven, but it's obvious someone is behind it. But who?"
"Head Steward, do you think it could be Chen Xiaobei? He rushed here from Hetou Village."
Liu Kai's brow furrowed upon hearing this, and he shook his head, "That's unlikely. He came to the capital for Feng Xiaoyue."
"Head Steward, I think we should ask. Miss treated Chen Xiaobei with great care back then, affectionately calling him Brother Xiaobei."
Hearing this, Liu Kai's eyes widened, "Nonsense! How could the daughter of the Protector of the Realm address a mere country bumpkin as 'brother'?"
At this moment, Liu Tie beside him interjected, "Head Steward, no matter what, as long as he can help rescue Lord and Miss, forget calling him brother, I'd even call him father."
Although it was half a joke, it carried a hint of sorrow.
Liu Kai understood that everyone was at their wit's end, so asking for an opinion wouldn't hurt.
Meanwhile, Chen Xiaobei was also at a loss in the inn. Upon hearing that Liu Tie had arrived, he mustered his spirits and went to the entrance to greet him.
Liu Tie seemed in high spirits and had people bring out two baskets filled with famous delicacies from the capital.
"Brother Xiaobei, I just picked up a few things on the way. Please don't find them too plain."
Chen Xiaobei thanked him repeatedly and asked Huang Ying to take the baskets, while he invited Liu Tie into his room.
After exchanging pleasantries in the room, Liu Tie got straight to the point.
"Brother Xiaobei, I heard about the 'book in the fish belly' yesterday. I wanted to know if you were the one orchestrating it from behind the scenes!"
With that said, Chen Xiaobei was frank and recounted his discussion with Yang Zhi in its entirety, sighing again afterward.
"I thought I could help Lord, but I never expected such a thing to happen today."
Liu Tie also shook his head, "Indeed, this kind of situation is truly unbearable."
Just when there was a glimmer of hope, it was immediately dashed.
"Alas, with the current turmoil, there's no hope in sight."
"If the old prime minister were still here, he could have spoken a few more words for Lord."
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei's mind stirred. He lowered his voice and said to Liu Tie, "You probably don't know yet, but the old prime minister has disappeared. It happened yesterday!"
Liu Tie was startled by Chen Xiaobei's words.
"No way! The old prime minister has already retired and returned home..."
Chen Xiaobei didn't offer further explanation, but instead picked up his teacup. "Brother Liu Tie, I am just a villager and only know so much. Alas, I wish I could help, but I am truly powerless."
After hearing this, Liu Tie sighed again, had a cup of tea, and then took his leave.
Upon his return, Liu Tie relayed the news he heard from Chen Xiaobei to Liu Kai.
Liu Kai couldn't help but frown.
Fang Zheng was missing, and the situation seemed to be spiraling further out of control.
Where should they begin to break the deadlock? He pondered endlessly.
At this point, Liu Ce next to him spoke.
"Head Steward, there's something I'd like to say, though I don't know if I should."
Liu Kai waved his hand, "Enough. There are no outsiders here. You and I both care for Lord, so there's no need to hesitate in what you say."
Liu Ce tentatively said, "Head Steward, Chen Xiaobei has a reliable source of information. He said that Old Prime Minister Fang had disappeared, but we haven't heard any news."
"And he is also actively planning the rescue of Lord."
Hearing this, Liu Kai began to understand Liu Ce's intention. He pondered and retorted, "Are you suggesting we follow Chen Xiaobei's arrangements?"
Liu Ce clasped his hands again, "Head Steward, it's not necessarily about following his arrangements, but at least we should share information with him or discuss matters with him more."
Liu Kai fell silent for a moment. As the head steward of the Protector of the Realm, he found it difficult to shed his pride to cooperate with a country bumpkin.
However, the reality before him was so thorny that he had no idea how to proceed with rescuing Liu Xiangnan.
After a long period of contemplation, he slowly said, "I will go to the Ministry of Justice tonight to meet with Miss and discuss it with her."
Liu Ce knew that this was giving him a way out. Regardless of whether Liu Kai mentioned this matter to Liu Rumei during his visit, cooperation with Chen Xiaobei would be a certainty after Liu Kai's return.
After the second watch, Liu Kai quietly arrived outside the Ministry of Justice prison.
A guard stepped forward and led him through the darkness into the cell block.
Turning left and right, they finally stopped at the innermost section. The jailer tapped lightly on the iron chains and left.
Inside the cell, Liu Rumei saw someone arriving and quickly stood up, stepping forward a few paces before tapping on the wooden bars of the adjacent cell.
Next to her was her brother, Liu Yuanwen. The siblings were imprisoned side-by-side, which was considered a courtesy by the Ministry of Justice.
Seeing that it was Liu Kai, Liu Rumei was deeply moved. "Head Steward, why are you here? It's cold outside."
Liu Kai shook his head, "To make a long story short, I've come to discuss a few matters with the Crown Prince and Miss."
Liu Yuanwen nodded. Normally at home, he mostly took care of his father, so in many matters, he was less decisive than his younger sister.
"Head Steward, you should still take advice from my sister. I don't have much of an opinion."
Liu Kai didn't stand on ceremony. He recounted the events of the past two days, emphasizing, "Miss, this Chen Xiaobei has more comprehensive information than we do. Everyone suggests that we discuss the rescue plan with Chen Xiaobei."
Upon hearing this, Liu Rumei's eyebrows shot up, showing a trace of excitement.
"That's wonderful! Brother Xiaobei is here, Father King can be saved."
As she spoke, Liu Rumei unfastened the jade pendant she wore on her collar.
"When you return, you will convey my words: everyone is to follow Brother Xiaobei's command. If anyone disobeys, tell them that these are my exact words."
Liu Kai accepted the jade pendant, still shocked. He had repeatedly reminded Liu Rumei to be mindful of her status.
But this time, Liu Rumei had directly handed over her jade pendant and was not just talking about cooperating with Chen Xiaobei, but about having them directly obey Chen Xiaobei's commands.