Back at their residence, Liu Kai placed the jade pendant on the table, a move that surprised even Liu Ce and Liu Tie.
Liu Tie's suggestion was to cooperate with Chen Xiaobei. However, to their surprise, Liu Rumei had directly relayed instructions, agreeing to follow Chen Xiaobei's arrangements.
But since it was Liu Rumei who gave the order, they trusted she had her reasons.
The next morning, Liu Kai, accompanied by Liu Tie and Liu Ce, arrived at the inn to see Chen Xiaobei.
Chen Xiaobei had just woken up and hadn't eaten yet when he saw them. He maintained considerable respect for the old steward, Liu Kai, and politely invited him into his room. "Head steward, if there's anything, just give the word. There's no need for you to make the trip yourself."
Liu Kai cupped his fist and, from his sleeve, produced Liu Rumei's jade pendant, extending it forward. "Last night, I went to the prison to visit my young lady."
"My young lady learned you came from Hetou Village and instructed me to convey a message: please, Magistrate Chen, help rescue the Old Marquis!"
Chen Xiaobei had interacted with Liu Rumei extensively and naturally recognized the jade pendant. Seeing Liu Kai's earnest words, his heart couldn't help but stir.
He was merely a villager from the countryside, having traveled a great distance from another region to the capital. Frankly, he had no relatives or connections here. Yet, Liu Rumei placed her hope of rescuing her father on him. This could only mean one thing: Liu Rumei was at her wit's end, with no one else in the capital to turn to. Thus, she had no choice but to place her hope in him.
If this were in Hetou Village, Chen Xiaobei would most likely have refused outright.
The Duke of Protecting the Nation held an esteemed position, second only to the Emperor. How could his daughter stoop to beg him for help? But the situation today was different.
Seeing Liu Kai and the others with their crestfallen expressions, Chen Xiaobei inwardly sighed. The Liu family, from Liu Xiangnan downwards, had been loyal. Liu Rumei had been stationed in Qingniu County for years, safeguarding the dragon脉.
Liu Yuanwu had even died on Qingniu Mountain, only for it to end like this. It was precisely as he often read in plays from his past life: "Serving a ruler is like accompanying a tiger." Today, he saw a perfect illustration of this with Liu Xiangnan.
But dwelling on this now was meaningless. The most crucial task was to get Liu Xiangnan and Liu Rumei out of prison.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei remain silent, Liu Tie mistakenly thought he was unwilling to get involved. He cupped his fist again and said in a deep voice, "Brother Xiaobei, if you can save my Marquis, I, Liu Tie, will repay your kindness with my life!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaobei immediately realized they had misunderstood his intentions. He quickly rose and returned Liu Tie's salute, saying in a deep voice, "Brother Liu Tie, you misunderstand. I was just thinking about how to rescue the Old Marquis."
At this, everyone's spirits lifted. Their eyes widened, fixated on him, eagerly awaiting a brilliant plan.
Chen Xiaobei sighed, speaking slowly and deliberately, "The reason the Old Marquis was imprisoned is not solely due to these rumors. The Emperor has a deeper agenda. With the Crown Prince about to ascend the throne, both the Old Marquis and the Old Prime Minister are highly respected figures in court. If they were still in the capital, any difficult decisions would naturally lead officials to consult them for strategies. This is something the Emperor greatly fears."
Listening to Chen Xiaobei's words, Liu Kai felt a surge of admiration. He had indeed considered this point. He hadn't expected Chen Xiaobei, at such a young age, to grasp matters so clearly. Su Dan Fiction Network.
He once again cupped his fist and said in a deep voice, "Since Magistrate Chen believes this is the Emperor's doing, then how should we respond?"
Chen Xiaobei smiled faintly. "This isn't difficult. What the Emperor desires is simply public sentiment. Then let us return that sentiment to him."
Hearing his words, Liu Kai eagerly interjected, "Last time I went to the prison, I also told the Old Marquis to submit a petition to the Emperor, requesting to retire and return home. However, I haven't had the chance to present this memorial yet."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaobei shook his head slightly. "Even if Old Prime Minister Fang retires, it won't dispel the Emperor's doubts. Furthermore, Marquis Liu holds immense prestige in the army, far exceeding that of the Old Prime Minister. Would the Emperor be at ease with a mere request to retire?"
After hearing his words, Liu Kai pondered for a moment. "You mean, you want the Old Marquis to completely withdraw from all affairs from now on?"
Chen Xiaobei shook his head. "Retirement is not enough. I think it would be better if he took refuge in Buddhism, chanting scriptures and worshipping Buddha daily, praying for the Great Cang nation."
At this, Liu Kai and Liu Tie exchanged bewildered glances. It was clear that such a drastic step would be difficult for not only Liu Xiangnan but also for Liu Kai and the others to accept.
"Magistrate Chen, aren't you going too far? The Old Marquis spent his entire life striving for the title of Duke of Protecting the Nation. If he were to lose it all at once, what was the point of his lifelong struggles?"
Seeing that Liu Kai still didn't understand, Chen Xiaobei couldn't help but shake his head slightly.
"If this can preserve his life, it is a great fortune. Moreover, even if you were to propose taking refuge in Buddhism now, the Emperor might suspect you are using retreat as a strategy and may not agree. Therefore, we must wait for an opportunity."
At this point, Liu Kai was filled with disappointment. He had come to Chen Xiaobei for advice, only to end up with such an outcome.
Perhaps they could have accepted the idea of retiring. He hadn't expected Chen Xiaobei to suggest the Old Marquis become a monk. This was not something Liu Xiangnan could accept, and even his servants would find it unbearable.
Suppressing his inner displeasure, Liu Kai exchanged a few pleasantries with Chen Xiaobei and took his leave with a cupped fist.
Watching Liu Kai depart, Chen Xiaobei shook his head slightly. Fame and fortune were indeed the downfall of many. Liu Kai and the others were still reluctant to part with the current glory, which would likely lead to Liu Xiangnan's ruin.
However, Chen Xiaobei didn't care about Liu Xiangnan's fate. What he cared about was Liu Rumei's. After all, she was his benefactor. Chen Xiaobei made up his mind; he had to visit her in prison.
But he was completely in the dark and needed to grease some palms to arrange the visit. Thus, he had to seek out Lamo.
After hearing his plan, Lamo was startled. "Brother Xiaobei, it's one thing for us to offer advice from the sidelines. But to go to the prison directly, wouldn't that make it clear you are involved in this matter?"
Chen Xiaobei smiled calmly. "Elder Brother, don't worry about it. Just help me smooth things over so I can see Liu Rumei tonight."
Lamo thought for a moment and nodded. "I can't help with other things, but I can take you to the Ministry of Justice's prison, which is guarded by the Green Dharma Master. I can manage that."
It had to be said that Lamo indeed had some connections. As dusk fell, before Chen Xiaobei had even finished his meal, Lamo arrived.
Hearing that Chen Xiaobei intended to enter the prison, Huang Ying appeared somewhat worried.
Chen Xiaobei, however, smiled calmly. "Remember, if anything unexpected happens to me, you must leave Wannian City immediately and go find your sister Hongyu."
With that, he left with Lamo without looking back.
Watching Chen Xiaobei's receding figure, Huang Ying's tears flowed uncontrollably.