Soon, a dozen soldiers rushed into the cave.
Not long after, screams echoed from within the cave.
Hearing the commotion, Ma Biao couldn't wait any longer. He bared his weapon and charged in.
However, when he burst in, the scene before him was astonishing.
On the ground lay several corpses, all appearing to have died miserably. The sole survivor stared at him with wide, terrified eyes.
Seeing Ma Biao enter, several soldiers bowed, "Greetings, Strategist."
Ma Biao waved his long sword, "Search."
The soldiers immediately scattered.
Ma Biao crouched down, examining the corpses again.
On one person's shoulder, the torn fabric of his clothing revealed a clear red lotus flower.
Seeing this symbol, Ma Biao's heart sank.
With a flick of his sword, Ma Biao pointed at the only survivor, "Tell me, where are Liu Ziliang and the others?"
"I, I, I, don't know."
Seeing his stuttering response, Ma Biao knew this person was an informant.
Ma Biao grabbed the young man by the collar and pulled him out.
He threw the person to the ground and clasped his hands towards Liu Kai outside, "Great Steward."
"It was the Lotus Cult who did this."
Liu Kai's brow furrowed. "The Lotus Cult? Why would the Lotus Cult get involved in this mess?"
Ma Biao's mind drifted back to Xiao Cui in Qingniu County.
"Great Steward, this matter is likely very complicated. I need to investigate it thoroughly."
Just then, a guard stumbled out, "Found him! Found him! The coffin of the Second Young Master is inside."
Finally found. Ma Biao let out a long sigh of relief.
"Great Steward, this is urgent. I must return to Qingniu County. Sima Wushuang and Jueding Daoist have appeared, and the young lady might not be able to hold on alone."
Hearing this, Liu Kai was also startled. "What did you say? Jueding Daoist also went to Qingniu County?"
"Yes, please inform the Marquis that Ma Biao will not be returning to the capital."
He then glanced at Liu Ziming, "The search for Ziliang and the others will be entrusted to you and Great Steward."
Indeed, with so many clues, it wouldn't be difficult to follow up. Ma Biao was burning with anxiety to return, and Liu Kai understood. It wasn't just about protecting Liu Rumei, but more importantly, Ma Biao wanted to avenge Liu Yuanwu.
Watching Ma Biao leave in haste, Liu Kai's thoughts stirred. He turned to Liu Ziming and said, "Interrogate him thoroughly and find Ziliang and the others as soon as possible. Then you can also return to Qingniu County to assist the young lady."
Liu Ziming clearly understood Liu Kai's words, which implied that he too would be leaving.
So, it was better to play along. "Great Steward, please escort the Second Young Master's coffin back to the capital first. I will handle matters here."
This was precisely what Liu Kai intended. He nodded with satisfaction and pointed at the men he had brought, "These men are all yours. It's a small token of my regard for the young lady."
Liu Ziming looked grateful and thanked Liu Kai again, "Thank you, Great Steward. Once the matter on Qingniu Mountain is resolved, I will go to the capital to seek the Marquis's forgiveness."
Liu Kai waved his hand. "Alright, I'm leaving."
Liu Kai escorted the coffin of Liu Yuanwu away. Liu Ziming turned to the sole survivor, brandished his long sword, and said, "Speak, where are Ziliang and the others? Otherwise, you know the consequences."
The man, terrified, repeatedly clasped his hands together. "Don't kill me, I'll talk, I'll talk."
"Spineless wretch," Liu Ziming cursed inwardly.
Meanwhile, a thousand miles away on Qingniu Mountain.
The sun was setting in the west as the large convoy carrying supplies arrived.
Seeing Da Chun and so many villagers, Chen Xiaobei felt a warmth in his heart.
However, when he saw Huang Ying, Xiao Qing, and Xiao Hong also accompanying the group, he became a little annoyed.
He cupped his fists towards Huang Ying, Xiao Qing, and Xiao Hong. "My three friends, I appreciate your kindness, but fighting has always been a man's affair. You should go back."
Xiao Qing pouted. "Chen Xiaobei, you're mistaken. If we're talking about fighting, you're no match for me."
Huang Ying also said with a smile, "That's right. You're the one who's powerless. How can you possibly tell us what to do?"
At this moment, Da Chun walked over and patted Chen Xiaobei's shoulder. "When I came, Hong Yu specifically said that Miss Huang Ying was here to see you on her behalf."
Upon hearing this, Huang Ying became even more excited. "Did you hear that? I'm here on behalf of Sister Hong Yu to see you. Don't be rash."
Alright, she was taking liberties. He couldn't argue.
As for Xiao Qing and Xiao Hong, he only had the right to suggest. If they didn't want to go back, he couldn't do anything about it.
The supplies Da Chun and the others brought were abundant. Besides a large amount of food and water, they also brought several jars of wine.
That night, Chen Xiaobei drank. Looking at the crescent moon hanging in the mountain sky, Chen Xiaobei fell into thought.
Since ancient times, the moon has evoked a myriad of emotions in people: joy, sorrow, and most of all, longing.
Chen Xiaobei recalled the times he had spent with Li Dong.
Li Dong had helped him immensely.
He had helped build houses, repair fish ponds, and his work in the village guard was also going strong.
Most importantly, Li Dong had influence and charisma in the village, making him the best candidate for captain of the village guard.
Yet, he had lost his life for five hundred taels of silver.
Ultimately, he hadn't heeded his advice.
Just then, Huang Ying's voice sounded in his ear. "Brother Xiaobei, what are you thinking about?"
Chen Xiaobei snapped back to attention. He looked at Huang Ying and finally shook his head slightly. "Alas, I was wondering where those brats would hide."
Huang Ying clearly didn't understand that this was just an excuse. She giggled and said, "Brother Xiaobei, I brought all the firecrackers you made. Oh, and I made some myself too. See if they can be useful."
"What?"
Chen Xiaobei almost jumped.
"You know how to make gunpowder yourself?"
Huang Ying nodded. "Yes, I followed the recipe you gave me. I tested it with an oil lamp, and it's fine."
It wasn't a matter of being fine or not. Chen Xiaobei was almost scared stiff by Huang Ying's bold actions. He had only told her about sulfur, saltpeter, and charcoal, and Huang Ying had actually dared to try it herself.
Chen Xiaobei then thought of something he had pondered that day: making landmines.
He had time now, so why not try making a stone mine and see how it worked.
With this thought, he turned and picked up a stone about the size of his fist from the ground. "Huang Ying, can you find a way to hollow this out?"
Huang Ying looked at it and grinned. "Of course, I can. Just you wait."
Huang Ying's master was an alchemist, and if he could research explosives, this task shouldn't be difficult for him.
The next day, at first light, just as everyone was drowsy, the sentry on duty suddenly shouted, "Wake up, wake up! Someone's coming, someone's coming!"
Chen Xiaobei was the first to stand up and rush up the steep slope. There was no longer any need to hide; the other side knew there were people on the slope.