Upon seeing Liu Rumei’s appearance, Hu Fan was also startled. Liu Rumei had a pale, ashen face, looking listless and sickly.
Liu Rumei stepped forward and bowed slightly to Hu Fan, “Rumei greets Magistrate Hu.”
After speaking, she erupted into a violent coughing fit.
Seeing this, Hu Fan’s heart sank. The person was already like this; no matter how ruthless he tried to be, he couldn’t bring himself to ask her to come out of seclusion. He could only say vaguely, “Oh, Miss Liu, I am truly sorry to have disturbed you. Please, hurry back and rest.”
Liu Rumei naturally seized the opportunity. She knew that if she stayed any longer, what if her act was exposed? Thus, Hu Fan asking her to rest was precisely what she wanted.
After bowing again, Liu Rumei was supported by Xiao Qing as she returned to the inner room. Once inside, the two exchanged a look and smiled slightly.
Outside, Hu Fan, of course, could not sit still. After a few more polite words, he instructed Chen Xiaobei to take good care of Liu Rumei, and then he rose to leave.
Chen Xiaobei escorted Hu Fan all the way to the village entrance before he could finally relax. This hurdle had been overcome for today.
Hu Fan left Hetou Village and rode for about three or four li. There, a bonfire burned, and Zhou Quan was waiting anxiously by its side.
Hu Fan dismounted and walked up to Zhou Quan, a look of helplessness on his face.
“Alas, Captain Zhou, I’m afraid I cannot help with this matter. Isn’t it unfortunate? Miss Liu is ill.”
Zhou Quan was taken aback upon hearing this. “That can’t be right. She was fine yesterday.”
“Alas, why would I lie to you? I saw it with my own eyes, her face was ashen, and she was weak. I heard that yesterday she went to pay respects at Huang Ying’s grave and perhaps encountered something unclean.”
He then bowed to Zhou Quan, “Hu is truly unable to assist. Captain Zhou, you must find someone else.”
Watching Hu Fan hurry away, Zhou Quan felt like crying without tears.
Liu Rumei, not sick earlier, not sick later, but falling ill at precisely this moment. It was highly likely she was faking, but even if he suspected it, he couldn’t expose her.
After much deliberation, Zhou Quan turned his horse and galloped towards Xiaojia Town.
This matter would have to be handled by the Princess.
Just as Zhou Quan was heading to Xiaojia Town, Chen Xiaobei also returned. After meeting with Liu Rumei, their expressions did not lighten; instead, they became more somber.
Chen Xiaobei said worriedly, “Hu Fan was likely sent by Zhou Quan. This further suggests that the war on the front lines is indeed dire.”
Liu Rumei nodded. “The Great Tu Kingdom’s strength was already superior to ours, and they launched a surprise attack. Thus, it’s not surprising that the war is critical.”
“However, I believe that now, in this freezing weather, even if they enter Da Cang, which is warmer than their Great Tu, winter is fast approaching. If they cannot secure sufficient supplies, they will eventually have to retreat.”
Upon hearing Liu Rumei’s words, Chen Xiaobei silently gave her a thumbs-up. No wonder Liu Rumei was so calm and feigned illness so convincingly. It turned out she had already calculated it in her mind. Although the Great Tu Kingdom was advancing like a broken bamboo, it was unlikely to last long.
According to Liu Rumei’s assessment, this crisis for Da Chang would be resolved even without anyone intervening, as long as the Crown Prince and his men could hold out for a while.
Therefore, the most crucial point for Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun now was to endure. He needed to slow down the enemy’s offensive rhythm, keep them as far away from Wannian City as possible, prevent Wannian City from falling into danger, and slowly wear down the enemy, making them lose the will to win.
And this step was precisely the most difficult.
It seemed Liu Rumei had no intention of making a move. Chen Xiaobei could only shake his head, chalking it up to his own overthinking.
At this moment, Xiao Qing, who was nearby, couldn't help but speak up, “Young Master, you should find another place for the Mistress to hide. If Magistrate Hu comes again, it will be difficult for us to act twice.”
This remark reminded Chen Xiaobei. He had initially thought that once Hu Fan was dealt with, Zhou Quan would likely give up. But on second thought, it was true. What if he came again?
Chen Xiaobei’s concern was not unfounded. At this moment, Zhou Quan had already ridden to Xiaojia Town. After some inquiries, he heard that the Princess had gone to Gongzi Ridge again. Zhou Quan, feeling helpless, had to turn around and head towards Gongzi Ridge.
By the time he arrived at Gongzi Ridge and met the Princess, it was already dark.
The Princess saw Zhou Quan arrive and smiled, beckoning him over. “Zhou Quan, you’ve arrived at the perfect time. I bought two chickens today and just finished stewing them. We haven’t eaten yet.”
“Thank you, Your Highness, for your generosity. With the enemy at our gates, your subordinate has no appetite for chicken.”
Hearing this, Princess Zhaoning smiled faintly. “Then can you rush to the front lines now and help my brother?”
This remark made Zhou Quan somewhat awkward. He could only bow again and say, “Your Highness’s words are indeed wise. Then I shall eat heartily.”
Princess Zhaoning nodded and ordered someone to serve Zhou Quan a large bowl of chicken.
She even had him sit at her table to eat with her.
Clearly, Zhou Quan had no appetite. After a couple of bites, his face was full of worry. He put down his chopsticks and sat there sighing heavily.
Liu Rumei clearly saw his thoughts. She said sternly, “So, it appears you’ve hit a wall. But Liu Rumei is unwilling to emerge from seclusion?”
Zhou Quan nodded. “Your Highness, as per your suggestion, I invited Magistrate Hu Fan. But the other party still claims to be ill and refuses to appear.”
Hearing this, Princess Zhaoning became pensive. She looked at Zhou Quan.
“If that’s the case, then we should prepare for two eventualities.”
She then looked at Zhou Quan with a smile. “Captain Zhou, you said you asked Hu Fan to gather information on Liu Rumei, but you were shut out. Is that correct?”
Zhou Quan nodded. “Your Highness is wise. I sent Hu Fan to persuade her, but Liu Rumei claimed to be ill and refused to come out.”
Upon hearing this, Princess Zhaoning smiled slightly. “You are truly stubborn. If you can’t invite her through legitimate means, can’t you think of another way?”
Her words stunned Zhou Quan. After thinking for a moment, he suddenly understood, smiled, and bowed to the Princess, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your guidance. It is Zhou Quan who is inflexible.”
“Since you understand, then you may go.” Princess Zhaoning appeared rather indifferent and waved her hand, directly dismissing Zhou Quan.
Seeing Zhou Quan leave, Chunhua seemed rather bewildered. “Princess, you’ve been very concerned about the situation on the front lines recently. Why don’t you just ask Zhou Quan directly?”
Princess Zhaoning shook her head. “My concern is my own business, but it has nothing to do with Zhou Quan.”
Chunhua also knew that the Princess was still resentful about her father wanting to send her off for a political marriage. Although she was worried, she still didn’t want to show it too obviously.
Meanwhile, Zhou Quan had already left the main encampment of Gongzi Ridge. He had walked only a few steps when a figure suddenly appeared in front of him. “Captain Zhou, please stop!”