Liu Rumei pondered for a moment and shook her head slightly, "I don't think so. He's a decent person."
After speaking, she turned to Steward Liu, "Prepare the horses, we depart immediately."
Then, she looked at Chen Xiaobei, who looked exhausted, "Young Master, you've worked hard. Please enter the manor and rest for a while."
Chen Xiaobei waved his hand, "No need to rest. Miss Liu, please go ahead. I'll take you there later."
Soon, dozens of people were lined up, all dressed in black. Swords and sabers hung at their waists, looking formidable.
Steward Liu personally led a horse and handed the reins to Chen Xiaobei.
"This is for you."
Chen Xiaobei had never ridden a horse before, but as the saying goes, he had seen pigs run even if he hadn't eaten pork. He followed suit, stepped on the stirrup, and mounted the horse, gripping the saddle tightly.
Liu Rumei cupped her fists towards him, "Young Master, I trouble you."
Chen Xiaobei nodded and gently patted the horse's hindquarters.
The horse slowly moved forward for dozens of meters. Chen Xiaobei's tension gradually eased. Riding a horse wasn't that difficult.
As his mood relaxed, his movements became much smoother, but the only thing was that he didn't dare to ride too fast.
Xiao Qing, who was following behind, was getting impatient. She tried to urge him on several times, but Liu Rumei stopped her.
She could tell that Chen Xiaobei's horsemanship was not skillful.
No, it should be said that it was extremely unskillful.
But fortunately, the distance was not far, only twenty li, and they would arrive soon.
At the village entrance today, Chen Ping was on duty with the village guard.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei arriving on a tall horse with so many people, his heart tightened.
Where did this kid get so many people? What was he planning to do?
But then he thought, perhaps this kid was a swindler who had deceived these people. He had to find out.
With this thought, he put his hands on his hips and stood in the middle of the road, "Chen Xiaobei, you stop right there."
Seeing that it was him, Chen Xiaobei felt annoyed. After all, these guys had run away early last night, what kind of men were they?
While cursing in his heart, he had to maintain a semblance of politeness on the surface, as he was the village guard captain.
He reined in his warhorse and asked with a smile, "Brother Chen Ping, what is it?"
Chen Ping also smiled and replied, "Where are you taking all these people?"
Chen Xiaobei pointed towards Qingniu Mountain, "We found someone injured on the mountain last night. We're bringing people to rescue him."
So that was it.
He wanted to ask more, but at this moment, Xiao Qing behind them couldn't help but urge her horse forward and pointed at Chen Ping, "Hey, are your eyes blind? Don't you recognize our Miss Liu? Hurry up and get out of the way. If you delay the rescue, you'll be held accountable."
Chen Ping didn't dare to offend them and quickly moved to the side of the road, smiling obsequiously, "Yes, yes, please, please."
Watching Liu Rumei pass by him, Chen Ping suddenly felt envious. Everyone in the county town knew of the Liu family's reputation.
The Liu family was a prominent clan that could influence affairs even in the capital.
Why in the world did Chen Xiaobei get involved with the Liu family?
Thinking of this, tears of envy streamed from the corners of his eyes.
After his envy, he felt regretful. If he had known earlier, he should have followed Chen Xiaobei into the mountains last night. He could have at least shared in the credit.
Chen Xiaobei arrived at his doorstep and cupped his fists towards Liu Rumei.
"Miss Liu, please wait a moment. I'll go home and report my safety to my wife first."
Seeing the dilapidated courtyard wall and houses, Liu Rumei frowned.
Xiao Qing next to her couldn't help but mutter, "This is no place for people to live."
Just then, Chen Qiaoer, hearing the commotion, was the first to rush out of the courtyard.
"Brother, brother, you're back." After shouting this, she saw so many people following Chen Xiaobei.
Chen Qiaoer instinctively turned and ran back, throwing herself into the arms of Cui Hongyu, who was coming out to meet them.
Cui Hongyu picked up Chen Qiaoer and came outside the courtyard. Seeing so many people, her heart tightened.
Chen Xiaobei quickly said, "Hongyu, don't be afraid. They are here to find Brother Liu Tie."
Cui Hongyu then nodded, "Husband, you've had a long journey. Would you like a drink of water before heading up the mountain?"
The word "husband" made Liu Rumei's eyes widen.
She looked at Cui Hongyu and then at Chen Xiaobei in surprise. She couldn't understand why such a young and beautiful girl would marry such a pauper. This family was too poor!
Xiao Qing couldn't help but mumble, "This Hongyu must be blind to marry someone like this."
Liu Rumei turned to him, "Alright, stop talking nonsense. We're here to find Brother Liu Tie, nothing else concerns us."
Xiao Qing grumbled an unwilling "oh."
Chen Xiaobei looked at Cui Hongyu with doting eyes and patted Chen Qiaoer's head, "You two wait at home for me. I'll be back soon."
After speaking, Chen Xiaobei mounted his horse, bowed slightly to Liu Rumei behind him, "My apologies for the wait, let's go now."
As Liu Rumei passed by Cui Hongyu, she smiled and nodded slightly.
Chen Qiaoer, with her large, bright eyes, grinned at Liu Rumei.
This innocent smile warmed Liu Rumei's heart, but she didn't have the time to dwell on these things.
Chen Xiaobei led Liu Rumei and the others on horseback, and they soon reached the foot of Qingniu Mountain. Beyond this point, the mountain path became too steep for horses.
Chen Xiaobei dismounted and pointed inwards, "Go up, about ten li, there's a mountain god temple. Brother Liu Tie is in the temple."
After speaking, he was about to step forward, but Liu Rumei stopped him, "You've worked hard, you can wait here."
Chen Xiaobei shook his head slightly, "No trouble at all. I'll accompany you up. It would be troublesome if you got lost."
Liu Rumei stepped back and bowed respectfully to Chen Xiaobei, "Thank you, Young Master."
Seeing Liu Rumei act like this, Steward Liu and the more than thirty black-clothed men behind her bowed in unison and shouted, "Thank you, Young Master."
This scene made Chen Xiaobei astonished and envious. When would he ever have such a grand reception? It would be so cool.
As they ascended the mountain path, Chen Xiaobei clearly felt his strength waning. He had been busy since last night, only drinking a few sips of water and not eating a single bite.
But looking at Liu Rumei and Xiao Qing following closely behind him, he gritted his teeth.
He couldn't afford to lose face at this critical moment.
Liu Rumei clearly noticed that Chen Xiaobei was losing strength. She beckoned to Steward Liu behind her.
Steward Liu immediately led a few sturdy men to Chen Xiaobei's side.
"Is it straight up the mountain path?"
Chen Xiaobei nodded.
Steward Liu immediately led his men forward.
Liu Rumei caught up with Chen Xiaobei, "What's your name?"
Chen Xiaobei knew that she wanted him to rest and unconsciously slowed his pace.
"My name is Chen Xiaobei, I live in Hetou Village at the foot of the mountain."
"Was that your wife just now?"
Chen Xiaobei nodded, "Yes."
At this moment, Xiao Qing couldn't help but interject, "How did she marry you?"