The maid, Dujuan, saw Huang Ying crying and couldn't help but speak, "Miss, the son-in-law has worked so hard, why don't you go see the princess? You are her martial aunt, after all. The princess's words should carry some weight."
Dujuan's words, however, stirred Huang Ying's thoughts. She remembered what the Lotus Cult Master had told her before leaving: Fang Zheng was imprisoned in the princess's palace.
But her senior sister had told her not to mention this to outsiders unless absolutely necessary. So, when would be the right time to tell Chen Xiaobei? She was conflicted.
She then thought that Chen Xiaobei was already worried enough about rescuing Liu Xiangnan. It was better not to add to his troubles for now.
Chen Xiaobei and Lā Mù were walking halfway when the aroma of food wafted from a restaurant by the roadside.
Chen Xiaobei pondered for a moment, then went inside and asked the shopkeeper for a roasted chicken. He carefully wrapped it in oil paper, layering it three times, and tied it securely with a thin rope, ensuring that no aroma would escape for a while.
Seeing this, Lā Mù smiled and said, "Brother, if you want to eat chicken, I'll accompany you tomorrow. If you buy it today and it gets cold, it won't taste good."
Chen Xiaobei smiled and shook his head, "No, this is for Miss Liu. She's been in prison for many days, and I imagine she'd appreciate a good meal."
Soon, the two arrived at the back gate of the Law Enforcement Department's prison.
Lā Mù went forward and whispered a few words to the guard at the gate. The guard nodded and beckoned Chen Xiaobei over.
Chen Xiaobei stepped forward and cupped his fists at the guard.
The guard nodded, "Follow me in later and don't talk too much. You only have the time it takes half an incense stick to burn. Hurry up and say whatever you need to say."
Lā Mù also chimed in with a smile, "Don't worry, don't worry. We're all sensible people. We won't cause you any trouble."
The guard nodded and turned to walk inside. Chen Xiaobei quickly followed. This was his first time entering the so-called Law Enforcement Department's prison.
It was dim and damp inside, with foul air. Frankly, it didn't smell as good as his pigsty back in his previous life. It was understandable; with so many people eating, drinking, living, and defecating inside, often without bathing or changing clothes, and never seeing the sun, the smell could only be imagined.
He then considered that it was indeed a tragedy for the daughter of a dignified Duke who protected the nation and a First-Rank Marquis to be imprisoned in such a place.
Soon, the guard led him to Liu Rumeng's cell. As usual, the guard stepped forward, gently shook the iron chain attached to the wooden door, and said softly, "Miss Liu, someone has come to see you."
After speaking, the guard turned and left.
Liu Rumeng, curled up in the corner, raised her eyes. In the dim light, she saw Chen Xiaobei standing before her, and tears immediately streamed down her face.
Liu Rumeng stood up abruptly, rushed forward, and extended her hand through the wooden bars, her voice trembling slightly with emotion as she grasped his arm, "Brother Xiaobei, why have you come?"
At this moment, Liu Yuanwen, who was beside her, also slowly stood up and approached. He looked at Chen Xiaobei with surprise. He didn't recognize this person, but he had heard Chen Xiaobei's name mentioned by others many times.
"You are Chen Xiaobei."
Chen Xiaobei nodded and cupped his fists at Liu Yuanwen, "Greetings, Young Master."
Liu Rumeng waved her hand, "Alright, Brother Xiaobei, given the circumstances, let's get straight to the point. Why are you here?"
Chen Xiaobei then recounted what he had said to Liu Kai.
"According to my analysis, only this can preserve Marquis Liu's life, otherwise..."
Upon hearing Chen Xiaobei's words, Liu Rumeng fell silent.
Liu Yuanwen, however, was indignant, "This is outrageous! My father is a dignified Duke who protects the nation. How can he become a monk?"
Liu Rumeng, on the other hand, was much calmer. She looked at her brother and said in a low voice, "Alright, say less. What Duke protecting the nation? Father has already been thrown into the imperial prison. His Majesty doesn't care at all about the Duke's status."
Speaking of this, she sighed toward the sky, "I never imagined that Father, who served the country his whole life, would end up like this. If I can get out of this prison, I might as well follow Brother Xiaobei to Hetou Village, farm, and fish, and end my days. Wouldn't that be a form of fortune?"
Hearing Liu Rumeng mention Hetou Village, Liu Yuanwen suddenly slapped his head, "Ah, you mentioning Hetou Village reminds me of something."
"Someone is still locked up in their cellar, from their Hetou Village."
"What?" Chen Xiaobei looked at Liu Yuanwen in surprise.
"Someone from our village? Who is it?"
Liu Yuanwen scratched his head and thought for a moment, "I think... I think his name is Chen Ermao. He came to find my father to report something for a reward. For some reason, my father locked him up in the cellar."
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei was secretly surprised. No wonder he hadn't heard any news of this Chen Ermao. He had actually been imprisoned at Liu Xiangnan's residence.
Such are the strange encounters of life.
Then Liu Yuanwen added, "My home has been sealed for three or four days. I hope he hasn't starved to death. Could you please tell Liu Kai and try to go in and check on him?"
Chen Xiaobei nodded. At this point, he had become indifferent to life and death. If Chen Ermao starved to death in Liu Xiangnan's cellar, then he had brought it upon himself. He couldn't blame anyone else.
He had said all he needed to say. He cupped his fists at Liu Rumeng and Liu Yuanwen, "I've told you both what I needed to tell you. If you think this plan is feasible, I will find a way to have the head steward inform the old Marquis and wait for an opportune moment to rescue him. If you think this matter is not feasible, then we can discuss other options."
"No," Liu Yuanwen said decisively.
Liu Rumeng, beside him, raised her hand to interrupt her brother and continued, "Brother, what time is it now? As long as Father can survive, that's what matters most."
"Fame and fortune are but fleeting illusions. I think we should do as Brother Bei suggests."
Liu Yuanwen was silent for a moment, but upon careful consideration, his sister Liu Rumeng was right. Without life, what use is anything else?
Thinking this, he silently turned back to the corner and sat down, saying nothing.
Seeing this, Liu Rumeng cupped her fists at Chen Xiaobei again, "Brother Xiaobei, I entrust everything to you. After you go out, tell the head steward and Liu Ce that my brother and I have agreed, and have them find a way to inform my father."
Chen Xiaobei nodded and then handed her a paper bag from his sleeve.
"There's a roasted chicken inside. Sister Huang Ying specially prepared it for you."
Hearing this, Liu Rumeng's tears flowed down again, and her voice became choked with emotion, "Thank you, Sister Huang Ying. If I can get out, I will surely..."
Chen Xiaobei waved his hand, "Alright, alright, Rumeng, don't overthink things. You must take care of yourself."
"Even if the Marquis wants to become a monk, it will require the right opportunity. If the time is ripe, I will act immediately to rescue you and the Marquis."