"Indeed, it was more than twenty li from the county town. Who would run to the county town every day for no reason?"
The two chatted as they strolled around the village.
They walked all the way to the west end of the village before turning back, taking the alley north.
According to Chen Xiaobei's plan, from the west, he was to go to the village entrance, then north, then circle around to the east side of the village, and then to the south.
After a big circle, they would finally return to the old locust tree via the main street.
Although the village was not large, a full circuit would take at least half an hour.
Following behind Chen Xiaobei, Chen Xiaowen was also a little puzzled. When it came to shirking work, Chen Xiaobei was the most adept.
Sometimes, when the village assigned labor, it was Chen Xiaobei's performance time. He would complain of a stomachache or an ache in his arms and legs. In short, there were no excuses he couldn't come up with.
Even if Chen Xiaobei was forced to do some work, it was merely symbolic. He would do as little as possible, and if he could avoid it, he wouldn't do it at all.
But what was with him today? He seemed full of energy.
As they passed the north side of the village, Chen Xiaobei actually wanted to go home and take a look. However, he held back, thinking that if word got out that everyone went home to take a look whenever they were on duty, how could he lead the team in the future?
Unbeknownst to him, this momentary decision unexpectedly saved his life.
He was saved, but Cui Hongyu and Chen Qiao'er were not so lucky.
As dawn broke, Cui Hongyu got up. Sleeping in someone else's house was never comfortable.
As soon as she moved, Xiu Mei and Cui Hua also woke up.
Aunt Xiu Mei smiled and said, "Hongyu, it's still early, you should sleep a little longer."
Cui Hongyu smiled and shook her head, "It's already light. Xiaobei will be home soon, and I need to go back and make breakfast."
After speaking, she bent down and picked up Chen Qiao'er, who was still fast asleep.
After all, they were neighbors who often interacted. Cui Hua and Xiu Mei did not persuade her further. One helped to get her clothes, while the other helped to open the door in front.
Thus, Cui Hongyu carried Chen Qiao'er back to her own courtyard.
Entering the courtyard, she looked up and saw that the door was ajar.
Cui Hongyu did not notice this unusual detail. She thought Chen Xiaobei had returned. She tiptoed into the house with Chen Qiao'er in her arms, afraid of disturbing Chen Xiaobei's rest.
The door creaked open.
Although the sound was light, it was enough to startle Waizui and Sanshui in the room.
The two immediately jumped out of bed and almost simultaneously rushed into the darkness beside them.
Meanwhile, Chen Ermao was leaning against the corner, groggy from sleep.
His sleep made it easier for Waizui and Sanshui to act.
The bed made a creaking sound. Cui Hongyu heard it and mistakenly thought Chen Xiaobei was asleep, so she stepped even lighter. Sudan Novel Network.
At this moment, Waizui and Sanshui had already seen clearly by the faint morning light. A young and beautiful woman had arrived, carrying a child.
This matched Chen Ermao's description perfectly. They must be Cui Hongyu and Chen Qiao'er.
Excellent. One was Chen Xiaobei's wife, and the other was Chen Xiaobei's sister. If they captured these two, they wouldn't have to worry about Chen Xiaobei delivering himself to their doorstep?
Waizui and Sanshui drew their daggers from their waists almost simultaneously and rushed forward.
Cui Hongyu was caught off guard. As she looked up, she saw two dark figures rushing towards her. Before she could react, she felt a chill on her neck as a cold dagger was pressed against it.
Cui Hongyu's heart tightened. Just as she was about to cry out, Sanshui quickly covered her mouth and whispered, "Don't scream. If you make a sound, I'll take your life."
Seeing Cui Hongyu nod, Sanshui released her hand. "Where is Chen Xiaobei?"
Hearing them speak, Cui Hongyu understood.
"He's with the village defense team and won't be back for a while. How about I go call him for you?"
Waizui sneered, "No need. He'll come to us himself. For now, you just need to come with us."
After speaking, Waizui deliberately coughed, "Ermao, Ermao."
Hearing him call for Ermao, Cui Hongyu's heart sank.
Oh no, Chen Ermao was back too. This was a big problem.
In the corner, Chen Ermao rubbed his sleepy eyes and stood up, "Brother, you called me?"
Before he could finish speaking, he saw Cui Hongyu standing before him.
She was holding a child, who should be Chen Qiao'er.
He chuckled awkwardly and walked forward, "Cui Hongyu, I bet you didn't expect this day to come."
Before Cui Hongyu could speak, Waizui spoke first.
"Alright, let's get out of here first."
Then he pushed Cui Hongyu, "Go, let's go outside."
Hongyu looked at Chen Qiao'er in her arms and tried to negotiate with them, "Can I leave the child and go with you?"
Hee hee hee. Sanshui chuckled a few times. "No, this is Chen Xiaobei's own sister."
After speaking, he dragged Cui Hongyu out.
Taking this opportunity, Chen Ermao quickly scooped two more handfuls from the large ceramic jar, grabbed two bundles, and slung them over his shoulders before following them out.
Upon reaching the courtyard, Waizui looked back at Chen Ermao and frowned.
If they were going to kill someone, why were they robbing them too? After all, they used to rob wealthy families and never harmed ordinary people.
He spoke, "Leave the things behind. We are here to kill, not to plunder."
Chen Ermao gave a somewhat embarrassed smile and tried to explain. Waizui glared at him, "Do as I say, or don't blame me for being rude."
At this moment, Waizui did not realize that it was this very statement that bought him a chance to survive.
Chen Ermao had no choice but to turn back and throw the bundles back into the room.
The voices of their conversation finally woke Chen Qiao'er from her sleep. She rubbed her sleepy eyes, "Sister-in-law, is it brother who's back?"
Cui Hongyu shook her head and said in an extremely gentle voice, "No, it's some uncles who want to take us outside the village."
Qiao'er's eyes widened in surprise. She looked at Waizui and Sanshui, but when she saw Chen Ermao behind them, she screamed in fright.
After all, Chen Ermao was her nightmare.
She wanted to scream again, but Sanshui quickly covered her mouth, "Kid, don't make a sound, or I'll kill you."
Tears immediately streamed down Qiao'er's face. Cui Hongyu reached out and wiped her tears, "Qiao'er, don't be afraid, sister-in-law is here, it'll be fine." She then turned to Sanshui, "Let the child go, she won't make another sound."
However, Qiao'er's scream was so sharp that it startled two pheasants dozing in the dry grass, causing them to flap their wings and fly up.
Even Chen Dachun next door heard the shouts.
He walked out of his house and stood at the doorway, shouting towards them, "Sister Hongyu, what's wrong?"
Waizui's dagger moved closer to Cui Hongyu's chin.