"Of course, Chen Xiaobei had to seize the opportunity. 'Yes, the common people also depend on this to make a living. How about this, Brother Yang, I'll have them catch big fish and send them to you.'"
"Well, this is quite something. Something I could have solved myself, and now I have to pay to buy fish."
Yang Zhi heard this and was indifferent. "That's fine, I'll pay the going rate."
"Alright, then it's settled. Two copper coins for a foot-long fish," Chen Xiaobei began to set the price.
Yang Zhi readily agreed without blinking.
This small amount of money was indeed insignificant to the Vermilion Bird Gang.
Not only did he agree to buy the fish, but Yang Zhi also patted his chest and guaranteed, "Brother Xiaobei, please rest assured, we won't use the medicine again. In three days, the medicine's effect will dissipate, and the fish will return."
Chen Xiaobei wasn't particularly concerned about this. Whether it was sooner or later didn't matter much. The key was how magical this medicine was.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei's silence, Yang Zhi clearly guessed his thoughts.
"Brother Xiaobei, how about this, I'll leave some of the medicine for you later. But you must absolutely not let my elder brother know, otherwise, I, I won't be able to explain it."
Naturally, one shouldn't betray a friend. Chen Xiaobei understood this principle.
On the way back, Chen Xiaobei's mood improved considerably.
Being able to fish again in three days was certainly good news.
Xiao Family Town.
Early this morning, Chen Ping knocked on Sun Jian's door.
As soon as he entered, his smile was even brighter than before.
"Master Sun, I've brought you hot water."
Sun Jian pointed to the teapot on the table. "Just pour it in."
While pouring water, Chen Ping casually asked, "Master Sun, I think I saw you in Hetou Village?"
This question made Sun Jian's heart tighten. "You, how did you know I went to Hetou Village?"
Seeing that the other party had admitted it, Chen Ping chuckled. "Master Sun, I'm from Hetou Village. I also know that you are having Chen Xiaobei help repair the iron chain bridge."
Sun Jian was surprised but remained outwardly composed. "Oh, if you say so, then you really are from Hetou Village."
Chen Ping began to puff up with pride. "Of course. My grandfather was the village head of Hetou Village. After my grandfather passed away, Chen Xiaobei took over the position of village head. Let's just say, I'm more familiar with Qingniu Mountain than Chen Xiaobei."
Upon hearing this, Sun Jian's mind suddenly stirred. "Oh, you are really familiar with Qingniu Mountain?"
Chen Ping, thinking he had found an opportunity, immediately patted his chest and said, "Of course. My grandfather was a hunter, and I started following him into the mountains when I was eight."
Sun Jian followed up on his words. "Ah, it seems fate has brought us together. I happen to want to go into the mountains."
Hearing this, Chen Ping bowed deeply. "That's simple. Just tell Master Sun when you want to go, and I'll gladly assist you."
A flicker of killing intent flashed in Sun Jian's eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. He smiled and said, "Why wait for another day? How about today?"
"Also, you absolutely must not tell anyone about this."
Chen Ping said with a fawning expression, "I know, I know. I'll just say I'm going back to visit my family."
Sun Jian nodded. "Good. Then we'll meet outside the town later."
Unaware of the danger that awaited him, Chen Ping gleefully ran off to ask for leave.
Sun Jian immediately called for his brothers, Sun Gui and Sun Qing.
"Brothers, there's a bit of trouble. There's a fellow in the inn who's from Hetou Village. Not only does he recognize me, but he also knows that we're having Chen Xiaobei repair the iron chain bridge."
Upon hearing this, Sun Gui's eyes flashed with ferocity, and he gritted his teeth. "Big brother, what are we waiting for? Let's just... him..." He made a chopping motion.
Sun Jian nodded. "That's exactly what I intended. I've already appeased him and had him lead the way to Qingniu Mountain. After you two go into the mountain with him, find a secluded spot and get rid of him."
Sun Qing couldn't help but ask, "Big brother, it's just killing someone, why go so far?"
Sun Jian shook his head. "No, he must be taken far from Xiao Family Town. If a mountain dweller dies in the mountains, no one will be suspicious."
Half an hour later, outside Xiao Family Town.
Chen Ping saw Sun Gui and Sun Qing, who were dressed in plain clothes.
Not seeing Sun Jian, the young man was a little disappointed. "Your Excellencies, why isn't Master Sun..."
Before he could finish, Sun Gui waved his hand. "Ah, brother, my elder brother is very busy. Just take us there."
Alright, Chen Ping had no turning back now and could only move forward.
It was more than twenty li from Xiao Family Town to Hetou Village. Before they had even covered half the distance, Chen Ping felt a burning heat all over his body.
Traveling in this sweltering heat was indeed unpleasant.
Just then, there was a creaking sound. He looked back and saw a donkey cart approaching in the distance.
Seeing who it was, Chen Ping couldn't help but cheer up.
It was Chen Xiaobo.
Yes, it was Chen Xiaobo.
Chen Xiaobo was returning from delivering vegetables to Xiao Family Town, leaning against the donkey cart, half asleep.
He had earned five copper coins in the morning. Although it wasn't as much as building the iron chain bridge in the mountains, his earnings were easy and pleasant, leisurely and carefree.
He would go home at noon, have a good sleep, and then go out to do some work.
As he was walking, he suddenly heard someone calling him. "Brother Xiaobo, Brother Xiaobo."
He opened his eyes and saw Chen Ping standing by the roadside with two strangers. "Brother Xiaobo, where are you going?"
Chen Ping asked knowingly.
Chen Xiaobo pointed in the direction of his home. "Oh, I'm going back to the village."
"That's perfect," Chen Ping said without hesitation and jumped onto the cart. "Heh heh, perfect, give me a ride."
After speaking, he called out to Sun Gui and the others. "Second Master Sun, Third Master Sun, come up together."
Sun Gui and Sun Qing exchanged glances and silently got into the cart.
Chen Ping smiled and introduced them. "These are my two friends, we're going to take a look at Qingniu Mountain together."
Chen Xiaobo was not a talkative person. He just responded and flicked the whip, driving the donkey cart.
Meanwhile, in Qingniu County Town.
Willow Manor.
The atmosphere in Willow Manor today was somewhat oppressive. The usually lively and adorable Xiao Qing had also become taciturn.
There were also quite a few well-built men in the courtyard. These men held the hilts of the swords hanging from their waists with their right hands, their eyes vigilantly scanning their surroundings.
They looked as if they were facing a great enemy.
In the reception hall, Liu Rumei sat in the main seat but remained silent.
In the guest seat sat a man.
This man had a square face, fair skin, no beard, and piercing eyes.
He wore a clean, dark purple robe.
The fabric was also high-grade Jiangnan silk.
This man's name was Zheng Ke, and he was the most capable assistant to Liu Rumei's father, Liu Xiangnan.
He stared at Liu Rumei for a long time before slowly speaking. "Miss, the Prince said that this time, he requests you to return, no matter what."
Liu Rumei frowned slightly. "Uncle Zheng, you know my temperament. Besides, it's not just one or two days that the Grand Tutor has wanted to harm me. What is there to be afraid of?"