Liu Rumei listened with a sense of loss, "Alas, how could this happen?"
Beside her, Xiao Qing was full of indignation, "Miss, this Chen Xiaobei is truly becoming more and more arrogant. He doesn't even give you face. I think, Miss, you've been too kind to him."
Liu Rumei glanced at her, "Don't say it like that. Think about it, how much help has Brother Xiaobei given us?"
"It can even be said that if he hadn't brought us down from the mountain, we wouldn't have had these subsequent victories."
Hearing Liu Rumei's words, Xiao Qing stuck out her tongue.
"That's true, but..."
"Alright, if he doesn't come, he doesn't come. However, Big Brother Liu Tie is right. Once things here are settled, we should return to the capital to have a look. I'm still very worried about my father."
As she spoke, Liu Rumei's eyes reddened, "Second brother is in trouble, and eldest brother doesn't know martial arts. Father lacks helpers around him, and I'm truly uneasy in my heart."
Hearing Liu Rumei's words, Xiao Qing also sighed, "Miss, if you ask me, why don't we just leave Qingniu County and return to the capital directly?"
Liu Rumei also showed a hint of hesitation, "I'll decide this after I return and discuss it with my father."
"Alright, you pack up, I'll go and bid farewell to the Crown Prince."
After Liu Rumei made arrangements, she hurried to see Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun, who was still immersed in the joy of recovering Jizhou.
"Rumei, you've come at a good time. I was just about to ask you, who do you think is suitable to be left behind to guard Jizhou?"
Liu Rumei slightly bowed, "Your Highness, with Prince Liu and Prince Zhao here, you can discuss it. Rumei is here to take my leave this time."
"Oh, where are you going?" Xiao Jingyun's face was full of surprise.
"Your Highness, I want to return to Wannian City to see my father. Ever since Second Brother's accident, he..."
Before Liu Rumei could finish, Xiao Jingyun nodded, "Perhaps it is time to go back and see. How about this, once Jizhou is settled, we go back together?"
Liu Rumei had intended to leave, but since Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun had said this, she naturally could not insist and had to agree.
"Then I will do as Your Highness says. Rumei will wait for your news back home."
After speaking, she bowed again and was about to leave, but was stopped by Xiao Jingyun. "Rumei, I intend to let Prince Liu stay and guard Jizhou, awaiting the arrival of a new candidate from the imperial court."
Hearing this, Liu Rumei responded indifferently, "Since Your Highness has decided, Rumei has no objections."
Seeing that Liu Rumei seemed perfunctory, Xiao Jingyun did not ask further and waved her away.
Liu Rumei's intuition was quite accurate. At this time, Wannian City was still immersed in celebration.
The Great Tu Kingdom and the Great Lin Kingdom had both retreated, and directly withdrew beyond the national border.
This allowed the officials and commoners in the city to return to their former tranquility. However, almost overnight, various rumors began to spread.
"The Liu family is holding onto military power, and Liu Xiangnan is secretly hoarding troops."
"Liu Rumei coerced the Crown Prince, effectively controlling the army."
"Liu Xiangnan reached a tacit understanding with Zhu Meng; Zhu Meng withdrew his troops in exchange for military achievements for Liu Rumei."
"Liu Xiangnan secretly supported Zhu Meng."
Faced with the overwhelming rumors, Liu Xiangnan appeared very calm.
However, his eldest son, Liu Yuanwen, was a bit impatient.
One day after lunch, he rushed to see his father, "Father, it's all over the streets now, saying that you are the mastermind behind Zhu Meng's mutiny."
Hearing this, Liu Xiangnan smiled slightly, "Do you believe this? I have been retired for many years and do not actually control the military."
"Father, I don't believe it, but that doesn't mean everyone doesn't believe it. Today, I walked on the street, and people were pointing fingers at me."
Hearing his words, Liu Xiangnan waved his hand again, "Alright, don't pay attention to these rumors. When the Crown Prince and the others return, the rumors will be self-defeating."
"But my not believing it doesn't mean the Emperor doesn't believe it. If the Emperor believes these rumors, then we..."
Hearing his son's words, Liu Xiangnan stroked his beard again and said confidently, "I followed the Emperor on campaigns since I was young. He naturally understands my character, so you don't need to worry."
Before he finished speaking, he heard hurried footsteps from outside, and a household servant rushed in.
"Master, a group of imperial soldiers have arrived outside. The leader is the Emperor's personal guard, Bai Han."
Upon hearing this, Liu Xiangnan's brow furrowed, "What is he doing here?"
Despite his suspicion, Bai Han was the Emperor's personal guard, so Liu Xiangnan still led people out to greet him.
Seeing Liu Xiangnan come out, Bai Han cupped his fists, "This Marquis is ordered by the Emperor to invite you to the palace for tea."
Liu Xiangnan saw hundreds of golden-armored warriors behind him and his heart trembled.
This was clearly not the posture of inviting someone for tea.
But Liu Xiangnan remained very calm and nodded to Bai Han, "Allow me to prepare, and I will follow you immediately."
Liu Xiangnan returned and said to his son Liu Yuanwen, "During my absence, guard the house well and don't cause trouble. Do you understand what I mean?"
"Father, I see they are not here with good intentions. Why don't we..."
Liu Xiangnan waved his hand, "Alright, do as I say."
After straightening his clothes, he came out and followed Bai Han away.
However, Liu Xiangnan did not expect that things would not end with him leaving with Bai Han.
After he had gone far, the golden-armored warriors swarmed forward, rushed into the Liu mansion, and arrested everyone.
What Liu Xiangnan expected even less was that Bai Han did not take him to the palace, but directly towards the imperial prison.
Seeing that he was being taken to the entrance of the imperial prison, Liu Xiangnan had a sense of foreboding. He calmly asked, "Bai Han, what is your intention in bringing me here?"
Bai Han cupped his fists, "Please forgive me, Marquis. We are merely acting on orders."
"The Emperor said you should rest here for a few days. After he finishes his official duties, he will personally come to see you."
Hearing these words, Liu Xiangnan sighed, "I never imagined that after so many years of loyalty from me, Liu Xiangnan, I would still fall victim to rumors."
Bai Han's face showed respect, but his expression remained helpless, "Marquis, if you wish to send a message to anyone, this humble servant will relay it."
"Alright, go and tell Yuanwen that he must not think of rescuing me. I am fine."
Bai Han looked troubled and was silent for a moment before continuing, "Marquis, I don't want to hide it from you, but the heir should also be in the prison of the law department by now."
Hearing this, Liu Xiangnan was first stunned, then let out a loud laugh, "Good, good, well done!"
After speaking, he turned and walked into the imperial prison.
Watching him enter the prison, Bai Han shook his head with regret, "What sin have I committed?"
As night fell, a group of fast horses rushed into Wannian City. The leader was the old butler, Liu Kai. Arriving at the gate of the prince's mansion and seeing the tightly closed door with a seal on it, Liu Kai was dumbfounded.