As Xiao Qing led people towards Dragon King River, Tian Wen also arrived in the vicinity with his men.
Ma Han examined the area closely and pointed to a small path. "Look, there are tracks here heading along the river."
Tian Wen nodded. "If that's the case, it means there are people on the other side of the river, and they couldn't get across."
Ma Han agreed with Tian Wen's deduction.
"Then let's follow these tracks and see if we can find anything."
Tian Wen, however, shook his head. "Look, these tracks only lead one way, with no return. With the Lotus Cult Leader's skill, crossing this river wouldn't be difficult if there were no ambushes."
Ma Han's eyes lit up. "Brother Tian, you mean they might have escaped?"
Tian Wen nodded. "Yes, they should have escaped."
"Then what should we do? Should we go back, or press forward?"
Tian Wen chose a slightly elevated spot and looked around.
"Going back would take at least three days. It might be better to follow the river forward."
The sun was setting in the west, and the transport of supplies to the mountain had concluded. Through their relentless efforts, the remaining supplies were not too substantial.
Chen Xiaobei instructed Chen Dayong, Chen Daqiang, Chen Sanliang, and six others to stay behind. He then called Chen Xiaobo, Chen Xiaowen, and others to his side. "Xiaobo, Xiaowen, you two take the villagers and these remaining supplies to Centipede Ridge to rendezvous with Hong Yu and the others."
"Remember, hold your ground and do not send anyone to scout for information. I will send people to update you on any developments."
Afterward, the people of Cui Family Village gathered, demanding their wages. Chen Xiaobei directly handed a silver note worth two hundred taels to his father-in-law.
Upon seeing the silver note, Cui Fugui's face split into a wide grin. "It's more than enough. I'll buy two chickens with the rest to nourish my body."
Chen Xiaobei, however, shook his head and pulled him aside, speaking in a low voice. "After you go back, take the villagers and go into hiding. The imperial army will be arriving here soon."
Cui Fugui dismissively waved his hand. "Hah, that's your business. I'm just an honest farmer. What can they do to me?"
Alright, since he couldn't persuade him, Chen Xiaobei could only give up.
Meanwhile, Cui San of Cui Family Village was sipping wine with narrowed eyes, listening to his subordinate's report.
"Really, fifty copper coins a day?"
The subordinate nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes. After transporting goods up the mountain, it was fifty copper coins. Past the Mountain God Temple, another dozen miles ahead, hey, the supplies were piled up like a small mountain."
Cui San frowned. "Suddenly moving so many supplies up the mountain, and the Liu family is busy with it. What does this mean?"
"Third Master, that's not all. Ah Ling said that the entire village of Hetou has fled, and no one knows where they went. The children, elderly, and women are all gone from the village."
Cui San stood up, paced back and forth a few steps, and suddenly seemed to recall something. "Right, yesterday I heard people in Xiaojia Town say that the imperial court is about to send a large army to our Qingniu County."
"Could it be targeting your Liu family?"
Upon hearing this, the subordinate was stunned. "Third Master, isn't the Liu family also high-ranking officials in the imperial court? Why would they send an army to find him?"
"Why else? He must have committed a heinous crime. Perhaps the army will arrive and chop off his head." As he said this, Cui San became excited. "Good, excellent! Go find a few reliable people, and make sure the testimonies are solid, saying that Chen Xiaobei is heavily involved in this matter. Then, let the imperial army take care of Chen Xiaobei along the way."
Hearing this, the subordinate gave a thumbs-up. "Third Master, your plan of killing with a borrowed knife is brilliant, brilliant!"
Cui San glared. "Nonsense, what borrowed knife? We're just telling the imperial army the truth."
Meanwhile, in Qingniu County.
Princess Zhaoning and the Lotus Cult Leader, master and disciple, finally reunited.
Seeing her master safe and sound, Princess Zhaoning was so moved she was about to shed tears.
"It's good that you're alright, Master. I can finally rest assured."
The Lotus Cult Leader nodded. "Why aren't you staying in the capital and coming here?"
"I sent Tian Wen with people into the mountains to find you, but there was no news. I was worried and came." Princess Zhaoning said with a smile.
After smiling, the Lotus Cult Leader looked at her sternly. "Alright, stop beating around the bush and tell me what you're doing here."
Princess Zhaoning chuckled. "I knew I couldn't hide it from you, Master."
Princess Zhaoning then recounted how she and the old prime minister had planned to attack her brother, Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun, and the subsequent changes over the past few days.
After listening, the Lotus Cult Leader's furrowed brow relaxed. "No wonder they were busy transporting supplies to the mountain. So that's what it was."
"Yes, Master. My brother also wrote me a letter, asking me to go up the mountain with him, saying that Zhu Meng was coming for the two of us."
The Lotus Cult Leader nodded. "I think he is indeed coming for the two of you. You two have given him a very good excuse and opportunity."
"This matter is also my responsibility. We were too hasty and shouldn't have killed Liu Yuanwu."
"If we hadn't killed Liu Yuanwu, we would have watched the two of them fight from the shadows. Now that we've intervened, Sun Yuliang has escaped."
"Master, it's no use saying this now that things have come to this. Should we go into the mountains and join my brother?" Princess Zhaoning was still hesitant.
The Lotus Cult Leader nodded without hesitation. "Of course, we should go."
"Being together is better than fighting alone."
"Furthermore, the Crown Prince has been established as the heir for many years, and there will still be some officials who follow him. If he calls out, he will surely gather some troops."
"You can also take this opportunity to win over these imperial troops to your service."
Upon hearing the Lotus Cult Leader's analysis, Princess Zhaoning's face lit up with a smile.
"Alright, everything will be as you say. Then we'll rush to Hetou Village tonight."
Meanwhile, in Hetou Village, Liu Rumei looked anxious, while Xiao Jingyun, sitting opposite her, was very calm.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, you should go up the mountain first. I will stay and deal with Zhu Meng to probe his strength."
Xiao Jingyun waved his hand. "No rush, no rush. They won't reach Qingniu County until noon tomorrow, and they won't reach Qingniu Mountain until dusk at the earliest. Why are we in a hurry to leave?"
Liu Rumei bowed again. "Your Highness, he is coming for you. You cannot go. If anything happens, we will have no room for recovery."
At this point, Liu Kai, standing beside them, also bowed. "Yes, Your Highness. You are the hope of our Da Cang kingdom. You must not act impulsively."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun sighed deeply. "Alright, then everything will be up to you."
Liu Rumei finally breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Zhou Quan. "Tomorrow morning, you will escort His Highness the Crown Prince into the mountains."
After the discussion, Liu Rumei walked out of the courtyard and turned to Liu Kai beside her.