Ge Cun cupped his fists towards the Lotus Cult Master, a hint of apology in his tone. "It's not that I don't want to let you go, but Zhu Meng is in charge here in Jizhou City now. I'm afraid I can't help. How about this: you all stay here and recuperate. When the opportunity arises, I will definitely get you out of the city."
The Lotus Cult Master wanted to say more, but Chu Han, beside him, spoke up. Chu Han was not as hot-tempered as the Lotus Cult Master. He smiled and cupped his fists at Ge Cun. "Since that is the case, we will trouble the general."
At this moment, soldiers arrived with medics. Ge Cun seized the opportunity to turn and leave.
Ge Cun thought the matter was settled, but he did not expect the crisis had just begun. Su Dan novel network.
After bidding farewell to his brother, Ge Zhuang pondered for a moment and then headed straight for Zhu Meng's camp.
Zhu Meng had not yet slept. He was discussing the next course of action with Zhang Liao and others, as holding out indefinitely was not a viable option.
Just then, someone reported that Ge Zhuang requested an audience. Hearing this, Zhu Meng frowned. "Why is he here so late?"
Zhang Liao smiled slightly. "The Marshal should still see him. After all, he is Ge Cun's brother. Perhaps he brings us some pleasant surprises."
Zhu Meng nodded. "Let him in."
Soon, Ge Zhuang entered with a grin. Upon entering, he first cupped his fists towards Zhu Meng. "Greetings, Marshal."
He then bowed to everyone present. "Greetings, all generals."
Zhu Meng nodded and said politely, "General Ge, you have worked hard. You and your brother have been responsible for the city's defense. You must be very tired lately..."
"Not tired at all, Marshal. It is my duty to serve you."
Hearing this, Zhu Meng's eyes lit up. This person must have a purpose for coming.
"General Ge, why have you come to see me so late? Is there something on your mind?"
"Yes, yes, Marshal. I bring you good news. I just captured three spies. They were caught the moment they entered the city."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Meng's eyes brightened, and he suddenly widened them.
"Is this true?"
"It is true, absolutely true. My brother has already gone to interrogate them, and their identities should be revealed soon."
Zhu Meng, hearing this, stood up impatiently. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's..."
Before he could finish, he saw Zhang Liao beside him, who shook his head slightly.
Zhang Liao was signaling him not to act impulsively.
Zhu Meng then put on a smile. "Very well, then we will wait patiently for good news."
He then turned to Ge Zhuang and said, "When this matter is concluded, General will receive the highest credit."
Zhu Meng was quite ruthless, only giving a promissory note and no actual reward.
However, Ge Zhuang was just the type to appreciate this. He grinned, cupped his fists at Zhu Meng, and then turned to leave.
Watching him depart, Zhu Meng turned to Zhang Liao. "Why did you stop me from interrogating them myself?"
"Marshal, Ge Cun has always been in charge of the city's defense. It is natural for him to interrogate the spies he captured. Why would you insist on interfering? It would only create friction."
After hearing Zhang Liao's explanation, Zhu Meng nodded slightly.
"Very well, then we will wait for Ge Cun's good news."
However, the next morning, when Zhu Meng convened the generals for a council, Ge Cun acted as if nothing had happened, not mentioning the matter at all.
Seeing Ge Cun leave, Zhu Meng looked at Zhang Liao in confusion.
"General Zhang, what is the meaning of this? He didn't mention it at all."
Zhang Liao sighed deeply. "I misjudged Ge Cun. I believe this young man has a change of heart."
Hearing this, Zhu Meng couldn't help but frown. "This, what do you mean?"
"Marshal, even if he didn't get any concrete information, he should at least have reported to you. But he remained silent in front of you, clearly not wanting you to know about this matter!"
Hearing this, Zhu Meng nodded. "You are absolutely right. This fellow is acting suspiciously. But what do you suggest we do next?"
"If we tear the mask off him immediately, it might cause unrest among the troops, as he commands fifty thousand men."
Zhang Liao chuckled. "Marshal, without Ge Cun, we still have Ge Zhuang."
"Send someone to take care of Ge Cun tonight. The rest will be much easier to handle."
"But, what if... we are suspected?" Zhu Meng was still somewhat worried about such an aggressive plan.
"Marshal, how could they suspect us? Don't forget that we captured spies belonging to Prince Xiao Jingyun just two days ago. If Ge Cun is harmed, his subordinates will only assume that the spies were not fully apprehended and will naturally target the captured spies. This will create animosity between them. Then, if you rally them to avenge Ge Cun, will his subordinates still harbor any ill will towards you?"
Zhu Meng listened and nodded repeatedly, giving Zhang Liao a thumbs-up. "This plan is excellent, truly excellent."
Meanwhile, a thousand miles away in Hetou Village, Chen Xiaobei and Liu Ce, with a thousand men, were heading into the mountains.
There were still so many supplies on the mountain, and they had to be brought down quickly.
Otherwise, after a harsh winter, nothing would be left.
Although they were bringing so many people into the mountains, the work at home could not stop.
Chen Xiaobei divided Chen Dachun's village defense team into two groups. One group, along with a number of soldiers, continued to make charcoal. More manpower was freed up to quickly build houses. There was a large vacant area outside the village on the four acres of land, adjacent to where Yang Zhi and others lived. They quickly built more houses. With seven to eight hundred people working together, they believed they could build a large area in a few days.
After all, they had to transport so many supplies down from the mountain, and they needed places to store them. They could only set up tents on the mountain, but there was no need to endure such hardship once they reached the foot of the mountain.
The entire Hetou Village soon became busy.
Seeing the busy villagers, Cui Hongyu felt somewhat at a loss. Everyone had tasks and had received clear instructions, so no one came to ask her random questions. Qiao'er had also gone to school, leaving her alone at home. Suddenly having free time, Cui Hongyu felt a bit unaccustomed to it.
She was a person who couldn't sit still. Since no one was coming to her, she had to find something to do.
Cui Hongyu set up her embroidery frame and began to sew.
Unknowingly, the morning passed. She even forgot to cook. It was not until a crisp voice sounded at the courtyard entrance: "Sister-in-law, I'm back from school."
Cui Hongyu finally realized what had happened and put down her needlework, looking regretful. "Oh dear, oh dear, it's my fault. I forgot to cook. You play over there for a while, and I'll go make you something to eat right away."
"It's okay, sister-in-law. I'm not hungry yet." Chen Qiao'er picked up a twig from the side and began to write characters on the ground. Cui Hongyu quickly went to light the fire. Just then, another voice sounded at the courtyard entrance.
"Sister, sister, are you home?"
It was Huang Ying speaking. Cui Hongyu quickly went out to meet her, smiling. "I'm home. Come in. Sit for a while, and dinner will be ready soon."
Huang Ying smiled and pointed at the cold stove in the kitchen.