Xiao Jingyun nodded and looked at Liu Rumei.
Liu Rumei immediately led the way, guiding the two of them to her study.
Just then, two shadowy figures quietly appeared on the roof of Liu Rumei's house. Perhaps due to the chaos at the scene, Liu Rumei was completely unaware.
Upon entering the study, Liu Kai bowed again, "Your Highness, the capital is in a state of extreme urgency. Zhu Meng is leading three hundred thousand troops towards Qingniu Mountain, and their target is you."
Xiao Jingyun nodded, "I am already aware of this. Thank you for your hard work, elder."
Liu Kai waved his hand again, "Your Highness, there is more news. On the morning of my arrival, the Imperial Tutor, in the Emperor's name, issued an imperial edict summoning all officials of rank three and above in the capital to the palace for deliberation."
"The Marquis judged that the Imperial Tutor is about to make his move, and therefore sent me to bring you this message."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingyun was enraged and slammed the table, "Sun Yuliang has finally lost his patience."
"That's right, where is my younger sister? If she were in the capital, Sun Yuliang wouldn't dare to be so blatant."
Liu Kai let out a long sigh, "To be frank, Your Highness the Princess has already left the capital. She said she was going to Baoen Temple to pray for the Emperor's blessings. That's why Sun Yuliang seized this opportunity..."
Princess Zhaoning, hiding in the shadows, felt a pang of panic upon hearing this.
He instantly understood that the Imperial Tutor sending three hundred thousand troops to Qingniu County was not just for his brother; it was aimed at both of them.
She suddenly and annoyedly hit her own head, "There must be an informant of Sun Yuliang by my side."
Fortunately, she hadn't made a move. If brother and sister were to turn against each other, it would only benefit Sun Yuliang. Sudian Novel Network.
At this moment, Xiao Jingyun, still in the room, continued, "Going to Baoen Temple to pray for blessings... When was this? To do such a thing."
Beside him, Liu Rumei shook her head slightly, "Your Highness, I don't think things are that simple."
"Don't forget that we trapped the Princess's master, the Lotus Cult Leader, on the mountain."
"Perhaps the Princess, in her haste, might have come to Qingniu Mountain."
Xiao Jingyun's eyes lit up upon hearing this.
"Yes, Rumei, now that you mention it, the whole situation becomes clear."
"My foolish sister must be heading to Qingniu Mountain."
"That's why Sun Yuliang sent Zhu Meng with three hundred thousand troops to rush here regardless of the cost."
"Once we are both eliminated, ascending the throne will be easy for him."
Liu Kai nodded, "Indeed. All officials of rank three and above in the capital are likely hostages, and they won't be able to leave until this matter is resolved."
At this point, Xiao Jingyun couldn't help but sigh, "Alas, brothers fighting amongst themselves, while defending against foreign enemies. Regardless, the struggle for the heir is a matter within the Xiao family. I wonder where my younger sister is now."
"It would be troublesome if Zhu Meng encountered her."
Liu Rumei cupped her fist, "Tomorrow, I will send people to inquire about the Princess's whereabouts. I believe that if the Princess intends to come to Qingniu Mountain, she might first come to Qingniu County."
Xiao Jingyun nodded, "Yes, first to Qingniu County."
"Right, tell Liu Ce and the others. They don't need to guard there anymore. Let those on the mountain come down if they wish."
Liu Rumei immediately bowed, "I will send someone to deliver the message now."
Taking advantage of Liu Rumei's departure, Princess Zhaoning called out and, with her maid, quietly left.
From Xiao Jingyun's words, it was not difficult to deduce that her master and Tian Wen were still alive.
Since they were no longer surrounding her master, she would go with the flow and reveal herself tomorrow morning to unite with her brother and first thwart the Imperial Tutor's scheme.
Just as Liu Rumei was sending people to Hetou Village, the Lotus Cult Leader had already arrived outside the village with his followers.
About three to four li from the village, there was a patch of woods where everyone hid. Finding a sheltered spot, they built two fires.
After eating some dry rations and drinking some water, Jasmine quietly asked, "Cult Leader, what do we do next?"
Just as the Lotus Cult Leader was about to speak, they heard noises from the road outside.
Chu Han immediately got up and quietly floated out.
Not long after, Chu Han returned, "Cult Leader, several carriages are heading towards Hetou Village. They are carrying a lot of goods. I heard they plan to transport them up the mountain overnight."
Upon hearing this, the Lotus Cult Leader's expression turned serious.
"During the day, the messenger said there was a major change and instructed them to retreat. Is that correct?"
Chu Han nodded, "That's what was said."
"And now they are rushing to transport supplies up the mountain. This indicates that the Prince and his party will ascend the mountain again."
Chu Han immediately responded, "Cult Leader, why don't I quietly follow them and find an opportunity to eliminate the Prince and his party?"
The Lotus Cult Leader shook his head, "We cannot be careless this time."
"First, we will blend into the village to assess the situation, then report back. No matter what happens, do not make a move."
Chu Han agreed, changed into commoner's clothes, and followed.
Because there were too many people coming and going in Hetou Village, including those from Hetou Village, Cui Family Village, and the county town, people couldn't distinguish who was who.
Chen Xiaobei was still directing the villagers to transport supplies up the mountain. This time, they were sending weapons and equipment overnight, the most important being the repeating crossbow.
These iron contraptions were heavy, and each person's basket could only hold a small amount.
Chu Han took the opportunity to get closer and saw that the carts were full of repeating crossbows. He was startled.
He knew too well the lethality of these weapons, how much stronger they were than his own fine needles.
Just then, a villager next to him nudged him aside, "Excuse me, make way."
Chu Han's mind raced. He flashed to the side and helped pick up a repeating crossbow and place it in the villager's basket.
"Thank you for your hard work, brother."
"It's not hard work. Fifty copper coins a trip. We'll do it even if it costs us our lives!"
Chu Han found an opportunity and quietly left Hetou Village.
In the woods, after listening to Chu Han's report, the Lotus Cult Leader's brows were furrowed, and his face was grim. "Bringing so many repeating crossbows up the mountain, they are preparing for a protracted struggle."
"And fifty copper coins per trip, this indicates that the situation is very urgent."
"Yes, Cult Leader. I dared not ask too many questions, so I returned quickly."
The Lotus Cult Leader nodded, "Alright, that's all for today. Get a good night's rest. Tomorrow, we will enter the village and find an opportunity to kill that hateful Chen Xiaobei, thus avenging my personal hatred."
At this moment, Chen Xiaobei was completely unaware that people from the Lotus Cult had visited his village.
Seeing the carts full of repeating crossbows, he also realized the seriousness of the situation.
It seemed that letting Cui Hongyu and the others leave earlier was the right choice.
During a break from the work, he pulled Chen Dachun aside.
"Brother Dachun, according to the timeline, the army of three hundred thousand should arrive in about a day."
Chen Dachun clearly understood his meaning, "You mean we should all retreat to Ant Ridge tomorrow."
"Yes, you lead the people to retreat, and I will stay behind," Chen Xiaobei said nonchalantly.