Princess Zhaoning said excitedly, "If we arrest Zhu Ting, we can control his two thousand rebel soldiers. Why let him go back?"
Although Princess Zhaoning's reasoning was sound, Liu Rumei was not entirely inclined to do so. She wanted Zhu Ting to surrender wholeheartedly. She had brought over a thousand soldiers herself, and a battle between the two sides would likely result in Zhu Ting's defeat.
Zhu Ting was also dumbfounded at this point. What kind of tactic was this? Fortunately, it was dark, otherwise, his dumbfounded expression would have been visible in broad daylight.
Liu Rumei spoke again, advising, "Your Highness the Princess, please let him go back. Tomorrow, with drums and horns, we will defeat him so thoroughly that he will be convinced."
"No, we cannot let him go back today. We must resolve this matter once and for all. We will descend the mountain first thing tomorrow morning."
Liu Rumei had not yet understood. Princess Zhaoning's mention of descending the mountain was for seeking credit.
But upon careful consideration, what Princess Zhaoning said was indeed a good plan. It was just that Liu Rumei was a bit too chivalrous and did not want to take advantage of someone's predicament.
Zhu Ting let out a long sigh, "It is truly laughable that a princess of a kingdom would resort to such a lowly tactic."
Princess Zhaoning was not offended at all. Instead, she grinned and said, "As long as the army wins, it doesn't matter what methods are used. Oh, and you should think about how to keep your head."
This remark startled Liu Rumei greatly. Zhu Ting could not die at this moment.
Thinking of this, she quickly spoke, "Zhu Ting, please heed my advice. It would be best for all of us if you followed the Princess's wishes and ordered your subordinates to surrender as soon as possible."
Zhu Ting remained silent for a moment, then asked slowly, "Your Highness the Princess, do you really intend to do this?"
Princess Zhaoning chuckled, "Yes, you've fallen into my hands, of course, I won't let you go!"
"If you do not order your subordinates to surrender, then you know what consequences await you!"
After a brief silence, Zhu Ting nodded, "Alright then, I will order them to surrender. However, if they do not obey me, there is nothing I can do."
In reality, Liu Rumei knew that Zhu Ting was merely clinging to a shred of his pride. With him captured, how many of his subordinates would choose to resist to the bitter end? Probably very few.
Just then, the young maid and Chu Han, along with others, arrived.
Seeing the situation, Princess Zhaoning became even more excited and cheerfully called for everyone to accept the surrender of Zhu Ting's subordinates.
Liu Rumei, however, remained silent and walked back with Chen Dachun and the others.
She knew that the matter on the mountain was now resolved, and all she needed to do was to safely escort Chen Xiaobei and the others down the mountain.
Seeing Chen Dachun and the others return, Chen Xiaobei appeared very excited and hugged them one by one. However, when he saw Liu Rumei, he seemed a bit surprised. "Miss Liu, what's wrong? You look so dejected."
Liu Rumei recounted the situation. Chen Xiaobei listened and then chuckled.
"You, your sense of chivalry is too strong. You shouldn't be talking about honor in such a situation."
Liu Rumei heard this and glared at Chen Xiaobei indignantly.
"I helped you rescue people, and you're still criticizing me."
Alright, Chen Xiaobei was helpless. He forced a smile and said, "What you did was not wrong. After all, Zhu Ting was also very decent and did not trouble the villagers, releasing them. We shouldn't take advantage of someone in distress."
Upon hearing his words, a faint smile finally appeared on Liu Rumei's face.
At this moment, the maid Xiao Qing came over and pulled Liu Rumei aside.
"Miss, what are you doing? You must be mindful of your status. You are the daughter of a marquis, and he is just a commoner. How can you speak to him in such a tone?"
Liu Rumei looked at Xiao Qing and said seriously again, "What's wrong? Is there anything wrong with me talking to Brother Xiaobei?"
"Look at you, always calling him 'Brother Xiaobei.' He is just a mountain villager. After this matter is settled, we must return to the capital."
"Moreover, you might become the Crown Princess one day. Stop calling him 'Brother Xiaobei.' You need to mind your image."
After hearing Xiao Qing's words, Liu Rumei was speechless.
Crown Princess?
She had truly dreamed of this in the past, but now, even if she were to become the Crown Princess, she would have to think carefully.
After waiting for a full half an hour, a bright light appeared in the distance. It was evident that the Princess and her party were returning.
The Princess seemed very excited. From afar, she shouted, "Liu Rumei, Chen Xiaobei, come quickly and see! Two thousand people, not one less, have all been brought back."
Liu Rumei felt very unhappy.
But she still had to muster her spirits and greet them with Chen Xiaobei.
At this moment, Zhu Ting was bound tightly and being shoved along.
His face showed defiance, but what use was defiance now?
Princess Zhaoning pointed at the two thousand soldiers behind her and excitedly boasted to Chen Xiaobei, "See? All two thousand people are prisoners. My imperial brother won't scold me now."
Alas, this Princess Zhaoning was still childish, driven by ambition and eagerness for merit. Fortunately, the outcome this time was good.
Without time to rest, everyone rushed back that night. They were worried that any delay might lead to unforeseen complications, so it was better to descend the mountain as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, down the mountain, Xiao Jingyun met with Ma Han and the others.
Although it was already very late, Xiao Jingyun patiently listened to Ma Han's report and then ordered a soldier to escort him away to rest.
After Ma Han left, Zhou Quan, who was standing nearby, could not help but speak, "Your Highness, why don't we attack the city directly tomorrow? I suspect the morale of the people in the city has long since collapsed."
Xiao Jingyun shook his head.
"I do want to end this quickly, but tomorrow is not the best time to attack the city. I have my own plan for tomorrow."
The next morning, Xiao Jingyun sent for Zhu Jianyu.
"General Zhu, I would like to ask for your help."
Seeing Xiao Jingyun's politeness, Zhu Jianyu quickly clasped his hands and said, "Your Highness, why do you say that? Just give me your orders."
"I want you to go to the four gates and call out to the defenders on the city walls to surrender. What do you think?" Su Dan Novel Network
Upon hearing this, Zhu Jianyu smiled. "Please rest assured, Your Highness. I will go now."
Xiao Jingyun nodded and instructed Zhou Quan to ensure Zhu Jianyu's safety.
Zhou Quan brought three thousand soldiers, along with Zhu Jianyu's two thousand.
Together, the two led five thousand soldiers and first arrived outside the South Gate.
About an arrow's shot away from the city gate, Zhu Jianyu reined in his horse. This spot was at the edge of the arrow's range, so even if there was a surprise attack, the arrows would not have much force and would not cause significant harm.
Standing there, Zhu Jianyu raised his voice and shouted towards the city, "Brothers on the city walls, listen up! I am Zhu Jianyu."
The defenders on the city walls saw him and immediately perked up, discussing amongst themselves.
"It's Zhu Jianyu."
"Didn't he surrender to the Crown Prince? Why does he dare to challenge us?"
After a brief discussion, everyone fell silent again and listened to Zhu Jianyu's continued shouts.