Chen Xiaobei repeatedly shook his head at Chen Dachun’s words, "No, no, if we go, we go together. You are the backbone of our village. If you don't go back, how will things get done?"
Chen Xiaobei knew Chen Dachun's words came from the heart, but he had his own ideas.
"Brother Dachun, if I leave too, we'll all huddle on Centipede Ridge, completely unaware of the situation on Green Ox Mountain. Will we stay for half a month or a month? Half a year or a year? Who knows."
After speaking, Chen Xiaobei leaned forward and said conspiratorially, "Besides, if we can help the Crown Prince win, we'll have rendered service in protecting the sovereign. That's a colossal merit." Su Dan Novel Network
Hearing Chen Xiaobei's words, Chen Dachun's eyes filled with yearning, "Really? Then at least give me a general's rank."
Seeing Chen Dachun's excited state, Chen Xiaobei's mind stirred.
It seemed that latching onto the Crown Prince’s coattails wasn't so bad after all.
If all the villagers were to hide on Centipede Ridge, they would indeed be safe. But if the Crown Prince were to ascend the throne, what would the villagers of Hetou Village have accomplished?
Therefore, an opportunity now lay before him, one that must be seized and not missed.
Thinking this, he deliberately sighed, "Brother Dachun, how about this: you select a few more people to stay with me. We can help the Crown Prince and also observe the entire development of events. If an opportunity arises, we can also gain some merit."
Hearing Chen Xiaobei's suggestion, Chen Dachun grinned.
"Exactly, exactly! This is how one should conduct business. If the Crown Prince truly takes the throne, I'll be a general at least."
Chen Xiaobei thought to himself, there are many ranks of generals, from first rank to fifth rank.
However, he neither refuted nor affirmed Chen Dachun's assertion, merely smiling faintly, "Choose a few people to stay. The rest must still leave. We cannot afford to lose the greater good for a minor gain."
Chen Dachun nodded, "Alright. I'll pick a few to stay after dawn."
Soon, the sun rose, and the sky brightened. The first to take action was not Chen Dachun, but Princess Zhaoning in Qingniu County.
Princess Zhaoning first led a few people out of the city quietly, then disguised herself as a weary traveler who had journeyed from afar, and galloped back into Qingniu County on a swift horse.
She knew her act would attract much attention and likely reach her brother's ears.
As expected, before Xiao Jingyun could even eat breakfast, the news arrived: Princess Zhaoning had arrived with her entourage and was staying at the Sifang Inn.
Upon hearing his sister had arrived, Xiao Jingyun became very excited. He threw down his chopsticks and said, "Quick, take me to see her."
Liu Rumei, standing beside him, quickly bowed and advised, "Your Highness, perhaps I should go on your behalf. Let me first speak with Princess Zhaoning."
Hearing her words, Xiao Jingyun frowned, pondered for a moment, and nodded slightly.
"Explain the current situation to her clearly. Tell her that only by joining forces, my sister and I, might we have a slim chance of survival."
Liu Rumei nodded in agreement and then turned to leave.
Meanwhile, at the Sihai Inn, Princess Zhaoning returned to her room to wait after finishing breakfast. She knew that her grand entrance into the city would surely bring someone to her soon.
Indeed, she hadn't been seated for long when a young maid rushed in to report, "Your Highness Princess, Aunt Liu Rumei is here. She requests an audience."
Although Liu Rumei was only a few years older than the maid, her seniority was undeniable. Liu Xiangnan and Fang Zheng were considered brothers.
Upon entering, Liu Rumei respectfully bowed to Princess Zhaoning.
"Greetings, Your Highness Princess."
Princess Zhaoning feigned composure and waved her hand, "Very well, there's no need for pleasantries. Speak directly if you have something to say."
Since the Princess was direct, Liu Rumei did not delay further, "Reporting to Your Highness Princess, His Highness the Crown Prince received a letter from the capital stating that you would be arriving today. Therefore, he ordered us to guard all city gates, which is how we were fortunate enough to see you."
To Liu Rumei's words, Princess Zhaoning casually replied, "I was planning to visit my brother after breakfast, but I didn't expect you to come first."
Liu Rumei stood up, took a letter from her embrace, and presented it forward.
"Princess, this is a personal letter from His Highness the Crown Prince to you. Please examine it."
Princess Zhaoning clearly had not expected her brother to write her a letter. She hesitated for a moment before opening it.
Xiao Jingyun's strategy was very clever. Besides a few words of sibling affection, he invited the Princess to visit Hetou Village.
After reading the letter, Princess Zhaoning couldn't help but laugh, and she laughed heartily, "My brother still enjoys traveling. He actually ran off to a small mountain village."
Liu Rumei bowed again, "Reporting to Your Highness Princess, His Highness the Crown Prince is not merely traveling this time. We received news that the Grand Marshal Zhu Meng is leading thirty thousand troops to Qingniu County under the pretext of suppressing a rebellion. To be safe, we are preparing to retreat to Green Ox Mountain."
Although she had overheard this information the previous night, Princess Zhaoning still put on a show of great surprise.
"Really? Zhu Meng dares to do such a thing?"
Liu Rumei nodded, "The Grand Tutor Sun Yuliang has already taken control of the capital. Only by joining forces, your Highness, can we thwart his scheme. By the way, the old Prime Minister has likely become Sun Yuliang's hostage."
Princess Zhaoning feigned surprise again and sprang to her feet, "How do you know that?"
"Because my father was also summoned to the palace. All officials of the third rank and above in the capital have gone."
As soon as Liu Rumei finished speaking, Princess Zhaoning put on a worried expression.
"So, the Grand Tutor intends to usurp the throne."
Liu Rumei cupped her hands again, "The situation is perilous. Please accompany us up the mountain, Princess. Only by joining forces can we defeat Sun Yuliang."
Princess Zhaoning nodded, "Please convey to my brother that I will meet him at Hetou Village as soon as possible, but I have other matters to attend to."
Liu Rumei did not press further. She knew Princess Zhaoning had her own intelligence channels. She needed to confirm the information and weigh the pros and cons.
Upon arriving at Hetou Village, Liu Rumei heard news that the person sent to notify Ma Biao and the others to retreat had not returned, and neither had Ma Biao.
This made matters serious. Liu Rumei's brow furrowed.
This was not right. Logically, they should have returned by yesterday afternoon.
She summoned her maid Xiao Qing, "Go and ask Chen Xiaobei if his village guard members have returned."
By this time, Chen Xiaobei had already woken up. It was the last day, and he needed to ensure that all villagers safely evacuated the mountain before dark.
Watching him busy himself, Huang Ying seemed a little bored, but thinking of her bold promise to protect Chen Xiaobei, she had to follow behind him.
At this very moment, the disguised leader of the Lotus Cult had already entered the village with Chu Han.