Hu Fan appeared pleasantly surprised upon seeing Chen Xiaobei, exclaiming, "Brother Xiaobei, you, you..."
Noticing his hesitant demeanor, Chen Xiaobei recalled that Huang Ying had previously inquired with Hu Fan for news about Cui Hongyu and others.
It was clear that Hu Fan wanted to ask about Cui Hongyu but was unsure whether to proceed.
With this in mind, Chen Xiaobei responded calmly with a smile, "Thank you, Magistrate Hu, for your assistance. Hongyu has been found, and we have already returned to Hetou Village."
Upon hearing this, Hu Fan smiled slightly, a heavy stone lifted from his heart. His tone naturally became more confident, "That's wonderful, truly wonderful. I was thinking of sending someone to inquire, but alas, I couldn't be of much help. My capabilities are indeed limited, very limited."
After a few polite exchanges, a silence fell upon the scene. Hu Fan remained quiet, knowing well that Chen Xiaobei's visit was not solely for thanks. He patiently waited to hear what Chen Xiaobei had to say.
Chen Xiaobei saw no need for further pleasantries and spoke directly, "Magistrate Hu, I have come to resign. I have held the position of Township Head for some time, but in total, I have only served for two days. I am truly ashamed."
Hearing this, Hu Fan's heart sank. A sudden, ominous premonition struck him: could Chen Xiaobei be intending to abandon his post?
Indeed, his fear materialized. Chen Xiaobei continued, "Your Excellency, I have thought long and hard and find myself truly incapable of fulfilling this role. I ask that you find someone more suitable."
At these words, Hu Fan exchanged a look with Mao You, both of them stunned.
Mao You, in particular, could not fathom why Chen Xiaobei would voluntarily come to resign. After all, even though it was a Township Head position, it was still a respectable title, one that carried influence in Qingniu County.
However, upon reflection, he realized that Chen Xiaobei had already established connections with the Crown Prince. Such a minor position would likely hold little appeal. Therefore, his resignation was understandable.
With this realization, Mao You quickly offered Hu Fan a way out, saying, "Your Excellency, I believe Brother Xiaobei's words are valid. It is over twenty li from Hetou Village to the county yamen. Traveling back and forth is inconvenient. It would be better for him to focus on the village. After all, should any matters arise, we will inevitably need to trouble him."
Hu Fan understood Mao You's intention perfectly and chuckled, "Indeed, Brother Xiaobei. Though you resign from the Township Head position, you and I are still like family. Should you face any difficulties in the future, we ask for your continued assistance."
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei quickly cupped his hands in return, "Magistrate Hu, please be assured. If there is any way I, Chen Xiaobei, can be of service, I will not hesitate to go through fire and water."
This was the attitude Hu Fan sought. With this understanding, both parties had a graceful way forward.
Chen Xiaobei returned his seal and signed the necessary documents, then politely bid farewell to Hu Fan.
Stepping out of the county yamen once more, Chen Xiaobei felt a sense of relief.
From this day forward, he was merely the village head of Hetou Village, his sole focus being to lead the villagers toward a better life.
Meanwhile, a thousand li away, in Jizhou City, Xiao Jingyun was preparing to return to the capital. He had decided to leave the Princes Liu and Zhao behind.
Jizhou City already had an army of forty to fifty thousand men. With the combined forces of both armies, a hundred thousand soldiers were sufficient to stabilize the region.
The Crown Prince, Xiao Jingyun, along with his personal guard, Liu Rumei's contingent, Princess Zhaoning, and the young girl Chu Han, totaling over two thousand people, departed Jizhou City in haste.
Their sole objective was to reach Wannian City within three days.
As darkness fell, in Wannian City. Liu Kai quietly made his way to the prison. Thanks to Fang Zheng's efforts, Liu Kai had secured an opportunity to meet with Liu Xiangnan.
In the dim candlelight, the guard led Liu Kai through the darkness.
They proceeded to the innermost section and stopped before a cell. The soldier rattled the chains and announced, "Marquis Liu, wake up. Someone has come to see you."
Liu Xiangnan, who had been drowsy, had held some confidence in his eventual release, particularly believing that Liu Rumei, upon hearing the news, would find a way to rescue him.
The soldier woke Liu Xiangnan and then withdrew, leaving Liu Kai alone.
Liu Kai bowed and said in a low voice, "Marquis, are you well?"
Hearing Liu Kai's voice, Liu Xiangnan expressed some surprise, coughing slightly, "Why is it you?"
Liu Kai sighed, "At the young lady's behest, I returned from Jizhou first. Upon entering the city, I learned of your confinement. After the Grand Chancellor's diligent efforts, I finally gained entry."
At this, Liu Xiangnan's heart faltered, a sense of foreboding washing over him. "Does the young lady know of this?"
Indeed, Liu Kai nodded, his voice growing heavier, "The young lady knows, and she also mentioned that she has already requested the Crown Prince to send a pigeon message to His Majesty."
"However, I waited outside the prison all day today and received no news of your release. Therefore, the Grand Chancellor devised a way to bring me in."
Liu Xiangnan frowned, "Alas, this matter is not as simple as it seems. Various rumors have suddenly surfaced in Wannian City. It is likely His Majesty has been influenced by them."
"Sir, I am aware of the situation. Please rest assured, I will investigate this thoroughly."
Liu Xiangnan waved his hand, "My confinement is of little consequence. I am concerned about their ulterior motives!"
"After you leave, please inform the Grand Chancellor not to plead my case further. He should focus on quickly uncovering the source of these rumors."
"Additionally, although the Great Tu and Great Lin kingdoms have retreated, we must remain vigilant to prevent their return."
Liu Kai respectfully acknowledged Liu Xiangnan's instructions, bowing and saying, "Your Lordship's dedication to the people is unwavering. His Majesty will surely recognize your deep concern."
Liu Xiangnan waved his hand, "Very well, you should leave quickly. Lingering too long might lead to trouble."
Liu Kai bowed and departed, returning to the Grand Chancellor's manor. He conveyed Liu Xiangnan's words to Wang Zheng.
Fang Zheng let out a long sigh, "The Old Marquis dedicated his life to defending the nation, yet why is His Majesty so short-sighted?"
After sighing, his expression turned resolute. "Tomorrow morning, I will go to the palace again. I must see His Majesty and explain the situation clearly."
Fang Zheng kept his word. The next morning, after breakfast, he dressed impeccably and proceeded to the palace, requesting an audience with Emperor Xiao An.
Xiao An was already attending to state affairs. Upon hearing that Fang Zheng sought an audience, he frowned and was about to dismiss him when Bai Han, standing nearby, spoke, "Your Majesty, I have something to say, though I am unsure if I should."
Xiao An waved his hand, "Speak freely."
"Your Majesty, the Grand Chancellor has repeatedly requested an audience. If you continue to refuse, you may disheartened him. In any case, it is best to clarify matters face-to-face."
Hearing his words, Xiao An put down the vermillion-stamped document he was holding and stood up, pacing slowly.
"You are right. This constant avoidance is not a solution. Let him in."