Many scenes flashed through Chen Xiaobei's mind.
Ten repeating crossbows, private possession of military ordnance, was a serious crime. He himself had almost been exiled, but luckily the Crown Prince had issued a decree.
He had to repay this kindness.
The best way to repay kindness was to ensure the Crown Prince's absolute safety.
Chen Xiaobei's tossing and turning caused Cui Hongyu, who was asleep, to also open her eyes.
"Husband, is something bothering you?"
Chen Xiaobei nodded, "It's nothing much, I just feel that with the Crown Prince accompanying the villagers into the mountains, there must be a deeper reason behind it."
"Husband, do you feel we don't have enough manpower? I'll find you some helpers."
"Find helpers? Who will you find?" Chen Xiaobei asked instinctively.
"Of course, Sister Ziyan and Sister Huangying. They are both highly skilled in martial arts..."
"That won't do, it won't do. The conditions in the mountains are harsh. How can two young girls endure it?" Chen Xiaobei immediately shook his head and refused.
Cui Hongyu smiled faintly, "Don't worry, it's nothing. When they were learning martial arts, enduring hardships and sleeping in the open was common."
"But everyone going up the mountain are men. It wouldn't be convenient for two young girls to be together."
"Besides, the village children still need to study!"
Cui Hongyu smiled enchantingly.
"I can take care of the children's lessons. I can substitute for Ziyan for a few days."
"As for Huangying, the villagers are busy with the autumn harvest these days, and there aren't many people around anyway."
Chen Xiaobei, although he hadn't personally witnessed Shen Ziyan and Huangying's skills, knew that they were capable of apprehending Old Man Hu and his group so quickly. Their martial arts must be considerable.
If these two accompanied him up the mountain, he could feel a bit more at ease. Otherwise, he wouldn't have anyone skilled in martial arts by his side.
The next day, as dawn was breaking, Chen Xiaobei got up.
He first called the village guard captain, Chen Dachun, and gave him detailed instructions about all the important matters, big and small. Then, he selected four guards: Chen Dayong, Chen Daqiang the brothers, along with Chen Xiaobo and Chen Xiaowen.
After all, they were going up the mountain to gather herbs. It wasn't suitable to have only burly men. They needed some who were physically frail, like Chen Xiaowen, or himself.
Cui Hongyu, on the other hand, scurried off to persuade Shen Ziyan and Huangying.
Upon meeting them, she took Huangying's hand and rushed into Shen Ziyan's room.
Shen Ziyan, encountering such haste, couldn't help but ask with a laugh, "Sister, what's the matter? Why the hurry?"
Cui Hongyu got straight to the point, "Second sisters, I've come to ask for your favor this time."
"My husband is protecting the Crown Prince up the mountain today, but none of our village guards are skilled in martial arts. If we encounter any trouble, it would be..." Su Dan Novel Network
Upon hearing this, Huangying's spirit flared up, and she immediately stepped forward, "Sister, please rest assured. We will accompany Brother Xiaobei up the mountain. With us there, we guarantee everything will be foolproof."
Before she could finish speaking, Ziyan beside her interjected, "Sister Huangying, wouldn't that be inappropriate? We are teachers. If we leave, what about the children? What about the villagers?"
Cui Hongyu quickly chimed in, "Sister Ziyan, don't worry. I know a few characters. After you leave, I will substitute for you in teaching the children. As for the villagers, they are busy with the autumn harvest these days, and there aren't many who come."
Hearing her words, Huangying repeatedly agreed, "Yes, yes, it would be better to give the villagers a few days off."
Shen Ziyan looked at Huangying helplessly.
In fact, she understood very well that Huangying was someone who enjoyed excitement and would be eager for such an event.
She had originally intended to temper Huangying's temperament by having her teach, but it seemed to have little effect.
However, since Cui Hongyu had explained things to this extent, Shen Ziyan had no choice but to agree.
"Since it is for the Crown Prince's safety, then we shall accompany you with all our might."
Hearing her words, Cui Hongyu was overjoyed.
"Excellent, excellent. Then, second sisters, pack up and come to my place for a meal later. You can set off after breakfast."
At this time, Chen Xiaobei was also busy at home.
He gave each person a repeating crossbow; it was essential.
In addition, the landmines he had made had to be brought along, just in case.
He also needed to bring a few of the arm-thick firecrackers he had made. They would be convenient for signaling in the mountains.
When he had finished packing several bulging bags, he realized that the four village guards couldn't carry them all.
Just then, Ma Xiaoyi and others arrived. Their preparations were much simpler: each carried a bundle with some food and a water pouch, and nothing else.
Seeing how much Chen Xiaobei had prepared, Ma Xiaoyi couldn't help but laugh, "Brother Xiaobei, you don't look like you're going into the mountains to gather herbs."
A word to the wise. Chen Xiaobei suddenly came to his senses. He thought, indeed, carrying so many things, no one would think he was just gathering herbs.
"Then let's simplify a bit." Chen Xiaobei took four bamboo baskets. He placed two landmines and two firecrackers in each basket. Adding the repeating crossbows took up more than half the space.
Then he added some food and drink, and they were basically full.
This was all they could manage.
Just as he had everything ready, Ma Biao arrived with Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun.
It was Chen Xiaobei's first time meeting Xiao Jingyun, and he was a little surprised.
In his previous life, he had seen countless princes and lords in television dramas, all of whom were handsome young men. He had thought that was just for television.
Seeing Xiao Jingyun this time, he realized that this Crown Prince was truly handsome, not just ordinarily so.
Even though he was wearing coarse cloth clothes, he still looked distinguished.
However, he didn't look like a villager from Hetou Village at all.
After paying his respects to Xiao Jingyun, Chen Xiaobei bravely said, "Your Highness, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."
Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun smiled slightly, "My loyal subject Chen, speak your mind."
Chen Xiaobei pointed at Xiao Jingyun's hair and then at himself, "Your Highness, look at your hairstyle. You clearly look like a young master from a wealthy family. Our villagers all look like this."
As soon as Chen Xiaobei said this, Ma Biao's expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly said, "How dare you, Chen Xiaobei, utter such reckless words! How could the Crown Prince be like you?"
Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun raised his hand to stop Ma Biao and continued, "I think Chen Xiaobei is right. We agreed to disguise ourselves as villagers. If we look out of place, wouldn't it be easy for people to see through us?"
"But," Ma Biao was so anxious he was almost incoherent, "this subordinate doesn't know how to put on makeup either!"
Just then, a low voice came from behind, "Makeup? I can do it, I can do it."
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice. Two village girls stood at the courtyard entrance.
Dressed in coarse cloth, their hair was even a bit disheveled, and their faces were covered in dirt-grey dust. They looked exactly like country folk.
Who could this be?
Cui Hongyu looked carefully and then exclaimed in surprise, "It's Sister Ziyan and Sister Huangying!"
Chen Xiaobei finally came to his senses. Huangying had spoken in a gruff voice a moment ago, and he hadn't realized it.